Italy-based Leonardo Helicopters is marking the 50th anniversary of its A109 light twin-engine multirole helicopter. Then known as Agusta, the company flew the A109 prototype for the first time on Aug. 4, 1971. The model received its RAI (Registro Aeronautico Italiano/Italian Aeronautical Registry) and FAA certifications in 1975 and entered service the following year.
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