Mon, Jan 25, 2010
Aircraft Used For Homeland Security Missions
The Finnish Border Guard has ordered a fourth AW119Ke single
engine helicopter, AgustaWestland announced Friday. All four
helicopters will be used to perform various tasks including border
patrol, special operations and fire fighting. The first three
helicopters ordered will enter service during the 3rd quarter of
2010 and will operate from Helsinki and Rovaniemi (Arctic Circle)
bases, flying in the harshest environmental and weather conditions
and covering the entire Finnish/Russian border.
The Finnish Border Guard will also be provided with a tailored
training and support package as part of the contract. The original
order for three aircraft marked the entrance of AgustaWestland's
AW119Ke helicopter into the European law enforcement and homeland
security helicopter market.
This purchase continues and strengthens the longstanding
relationship between AgustaWestland and the Finnish Border Guard
who has been supplied with AB206 JetRanger and AB412
helicopters.
The Finnish Border Guard's AW119Ke helicopters will be fitted
with dedicated tactical equipment and certified to perform missions
using Night Vision Goggles (NVGs). The AW119Ke's law enforcement
and homeland security variant has a patrol time of approximately 5
hours.
The Finnish Border Guard adds to a large number of governments
who are operating or have chosen this helicopter type for homeland
security and public service applications in several countries
including the United States, Mexico, China, Republic of Korea,
Spain and Uganda. Approximately 190 helicopters have been ordered
to date by over 90 customers in 30 countries to perform roles such
as law enforcement, EMS, VIP/corporate transport, offshore
transport and fire fighting.
The Finnish Border Guard is responsible for Finland's internal
security, reporting to the Ministry of the Interior. The main
functions of the Border Guard are guarding Finland's land borders
and territorial waters, carrying out passport control at border
crossing points, ports and airports, as well as law enforcement,
maritime safety and performing search and rescue operations,
especially at sea.
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