Aircraft Will Be Flown In Search And Rescue Missions

The Swedish Maritime Administration has agreed to purchase seven AW139 intermediate twin helicopters. The aircraft will be equipped for Search and Rescue (SAR) operations with the first helicopter scheduled to be delivered in the spring of 2013 and the final one in 2014. The Swedish Maritime Administration is the authority responsible for Maritime and Aeronautical Search and Rescue Services in Sweden and will operate the AW139 helicopters from 5 bases across the country.

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 AW139 will cruise at up to 165 knots with a range in excess of 500 nm and superior hover performance. With its power reserve, the AW139 delivers Category “A” (Class 1) performance from a helipad (elevated or at ground level) at maximum take-off weight which also makes it a safe helicopter whilst performing demanding SAR missions. The Swedish Maritime Administration’s AW139s will also be equipped with the unique Full Ice Protection System (FIPS) allowing flights into known icing conditions and enabling all weather operations.

The large cabin gives the helicopter the flexibility to support cabin FLIR station operation, medical treatment and casualty evacuation requirements. An additional baggage compartment space that is accessible from inside or outside the helicopter and allows SAR equipment to be stowed, keeping the main cabin clear.

AgustaWestland says the AW139’s design is optimized for easy and rapid maintenance with reduced number of parts, easy access to critical systems, extended component lifecycle, exclusive HUMS (Health and Usage Monitoring System) as well as comprehensive training services also including advanced Level D Full Flight Simulators.

(Image courtesy AgustaWestland)

FMI: www.agustawestland.com