Military Variant Of The Civilian AW139

The AW139M, which is the customized military version of the multi-role, AW139 helicopter, has been introduced by AgustaWestland. The military variant of the helicopter is integrated with proven U.S. military technology for the U.S. Air Force's Common Vertical Lift Support Program. The AW139M was featured at the AFA Air Warfare Symposium in Orlando, FL last week.

"AgustaWestland meets every U.S. Air Force CVLSP mission requirement while offering substantial acquisition and operational savings," said R. Scott Rettig, chief executive officer, AgustaWestland North America. "The innovation and investment made by AgustaWestland ensures the lowest risk, most cost effective replacement for the CVLSP platform."

Manufactured in the company's Philadelphia, PA, facility and tailored with U.S. military technology from suppliers across the nation, the AW139M includes a high-definition FLIR, self protection equipment including infrared detection and countermeasures, avionics and heavy duty landing gear. For military missions, the AW139M features a low thermal and acoustic signature and is available with a full ice protection system, allowing all-weather operation at the U.S. Air Force's northern-tier missile bases.

The AW139M CVLSP also includes dedicated equipment such as armored seats to improve crew protection; ballistically-tolerant, self-sealing fuel tanks; and an external stores system for carrying gun pods, missiles and air-to-ground rockets.

FMI: www.agustawestland.com