Wed, Sep 18, 2013
Six Additional Helos Will Join The SAR Fleet By Next Year
The Swedish Maritime Administration has taken delivery of its first AW139 intermediate twin engine helicopter during an official ceremony held at Vergiate plant (Italy) on September 10th. The aircraft is the first of seven AW139s on order which will be equipped for Search and Rescue (SAR) operations in Sweden and the customer is expected to receive the second helicopter shortly and the third aircraft by year end, with all deliveries to be completed within 2014. The Swedish Maritime Administration, the authority responsible for Maritime and Aeronautical Search and Rescue Services in Sweden, will operate the AW139 helicopters from 5 bases across the country.
“We are delighted to the deliver the first Swedish Maritime Administration’s AW139 as this event marks a major step forward in capability and sets a new important milestone for Sweden’s search and rescue," said Daniele Romiti, CEO, AgustaWestland. "By selecting one of the most advanced SAR-dedicated rotorcraft systems in our comprehensive product range, Sweden will also benefit from the AgustaWestland’s long standing, well established expertise in rescue operations. We are committed to supporting this leading customer to maximize the operational effectiveness and the unparalleled advantages of the AW139.”
This order continues the success of the AW139 in the European SAR market where its long range and all-weather operational capability are key advantages. The AW139 is also widely used in Northern Europe for passenger transportation to offshore oil and gas installations. The Swedish Maritime Administration’s AW139s are also equipped with a range of dedicated mission systems including the unique Full Ice Protection System (FIPS) allowing flights into known icing conditions and enabling all weather operations, when other types would be confined to the hangar.
More than 580 AW139s are now in service with nearly 750,000 flight hours logged to date performing many roles including SAR, air ambulance, offshore transport, VIP/corporate transport, law enforcement and military transport missions.
(Image provided by AgustaWestland)
More News
With Testing Soon Complete, Launch Preparations Begin in Earnest Sierra Space's Dream Chaser has been put through the wringer at NASA's Glenn Armstrong Test Facility in Ohio, but w>[...]
Takeoff Roll The process whereby an aircraft is aligned with the runway centerline and the aircraft is moving with the intent to take off. For helicopters, this pertains to the act>[...]
“We’re proud of the hard work that went into receiving this validation, and it will be a welcome relief to our customers in the European Union. We couldn’t be mor>[...]
"Aircraft Spruce is pleased to announce the acquisition of the parts distribution operations of Wag-Aero. Wag-Aero was founded in the 1960’s by Dick and Bobbie Wagner in the >[...]
IDENT Feature The special feature in the Air Traffic Control Radar Beacon System (ATCRBS) equipment. It is used to immediately distinguish one displayed beacon target from other be>[...]
Sierra Space Repositions Dream Chaser for First Mission
See All