Thu, Dec 20, 2018
Inks Contract For Three AW139 Helicopters
In a move to enhance its emergency multirole airborne capabilities to more effectively counter the ever increasing risks of firefighting duties, the Italian National Fire Corps (Vigili del Fuoco) has signed a contract for the supply of three AW139 intermediate twin engine helicopters. The order, valued at around $51 million, also includes integrated logistic support and training for pilots and technicians, and encompasses an option for 12 additional helicopters. Deliveries of the three new aircraft are expected to start shortly and to be completed in 2019.
Over 816,000 rescue operations occur every year countering fires across Europe, including many in Italy this year. In order to better face these challenges the Italian National Fire Corps, part of the department of firefighters, public rescue and civil defence within the Ministry of the Interior, is acquiring the world’s best rescue helicopter capable to also carry out maritime and mountain Search and Rescue (SAR), medical rescue, and disaster relief/civil protection. The AW139 has been selected by the customer following a competitive tender launched in 2017.
The 7 metric ton AW139s of the Italian National Fire Corps are expected to progressively replace their AB412s helicopters which have been in service for decades. The new aircraft of the Italian National Fire Corps will feature a wide range of mission equipment, including an external rescue hoist, cargo hook with bambi bucket provision, weather radar, multi-band and satellite communication systems, high definition Forward Looking Infrared / Low Light TV (FLIR/LLTV) system, Leonardo’s high definition mission console with digital recorder, high definition down link, Leonardo’s Optical Proximity LiDAR System (OPLS), Night Vision Goggle (NVG) capability, new generation Trakka searchlight, emergency floatation system and external life rafts, external loudspeaker, medical rack and bubble windows.
(Image provided with Leonardo Company news release)
More News
Runway Lead-in Light System Runway Lead-in Light System Consists of one or more series of flashing lights installed at or near ground level that provides positive visual guidance a>[...]
Aero Linx: Aviation Without Borders Aviation Without Borders uses its aviation expertise, contacts and partnerships to enable support for children and their families – at hom>[...]
Dave Juwel's Aviation Marketing Stories ITBOA BNITBOB ... what does that mean? It's not gibberish, it's a lengthy acronym for "In The Business Of Aviation ... But Not In The Busine>[...]
From 2010 (YouTube Version): Yeah.... This IS A Really Cool Job When ANN's Nathan Cremisino took over the lead of our Aero-TV teams, he knew he was in for some extra work and a lot>[...]
Also: Junkers A50 Heritage, Montaer Grows, Dynon-Advance Flight Systems, Vans' Latest Officially, the Carbon Cub UL and Rotax 916 iS is now in its 'market survey development phase'>[...]
ANN's Daily Aero-Term (04.24.24): Runway Lead-in Light System
See All