The Latvian border guard has ordered two Agusta A109 Powers to increase its border patrol capabilities before joining the European Union’s Schengen open borders agreement.
The new machines supplement an Agusta Bell 206B that has been in service since the guard’s air unit was formed in 2002. Ten new pilots, who start training in Italy late next year, will double the unit’s strength. The new helicopters will be equipped with forward-looking infrared, a rescue hoist, searchlight and a night vision goggles-compatible cockpit.
Meanwhile, Heliflite, AgustaWestland’s distributor of civil helicopters for Australia, New Zealand and New Guinea, has delivered the first A109S Grand to an Australian customer.
Source: Flight International
