The AW139 is a six-tonne, medium size, twin engine helicopter carrying up to 15 passengers, and is claimed to be the best selling helicopter in the medium twin class with nearly 300 sales and 100 aircraft delivered. The original Italian production line is running ‘flat out’ and the second (US) line in Philadelphia is now up and running. Originally developed in association with Bell, and powered by two P&W PT6C-67C engines, the aircraft was originally designated as the AB139, and is claimed to offer the highest speed, the most spacious cabin and the best power reserve of any helicopter in the medium twin-engine class.
The AW139’s spacious, unobstructed tall cabin and cavernous baggage/cargo compartment allows the aircraft to carry 15 passengers or up to six litters with four medical attendants in EMS configuration, and gives useful flexibility for other role applications, including offshore and law enforcement use.
The aircraft incorporates Honeywell Primus Epic fully integrated avionics, with large flat panel colour displays, and a 4-axis digital AFCS.
The type is proving popular in the Middle East and local operators include Abu Dhabi Aviation and Saudi Aramco for offshore transport operations and Evergreen (sub-contracted by Falcon Aviation Services) who use the aircraft for search and rescue on behalf of the UAE Armed Forces. A number of other aircraft have also been purchased by customers in the region, including the Royal Oman Police, for VIP transport and law enforcement applications.
A dedicated military AW149 version is under development, and AgustaWestland is believed to be seeking sub-contractors and risk-sharing partners for the new programme, which may be formally unveiled at Farnborough next year.
AgustaWestland is exhibiting an AW139 of Abu Dhabi Aviation next to its outdoor pavilion. The aircraft is configured for the offshore transport role.
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Source: Flight Daily News
