Marks The Entrance Of The AW139 Into The Chilean Helicopter Market

The Carabineros de Chile has placed an order for an AW139 intermediate twin engine helicopter. The aircraft, which will be delivered in the first quarter of 2015, will be used to support a wide range of missions including public order and safety, crime control, counter terrorism, drug control and border security across the nation, search and rescue and transport. The exceptional performance of the AW139, especially at high altitude and in high temperatures, will enhance the Carabineros’ mission capabilities.

The order marks the entrance of the AW139 into the Chilean helicopter market and an expansion of the Carabineros de Chile’s AgustaWestland helicopter fleet, which includes five AW109 Power light twin helicopters that first entered service in 2008.

Twenty AgustaWestland helicopters, including AW119, AW109 Power, GrandNew and W-3A Sokol models, are now in service in Chile performing various commercial and parapublic missions.  

The only new generation helicopter in its weight class, the AW139 sets new standards of performance in its category with a maximum cruise speed of 165 knots and a maximum range in excess of 570 nm with auxiliary fuel. The aircraft has outstanding one engine inoperative capabilities, even in the hot and high environmental conditions.

The AW139, together with the next generation AW169 and AW189 models, is part of the AgustaWestland Family of new generation helicopters which possess the same high performance flight characteristics and safety features, as well as sharing a common cockpit layout, design philosophy and maintenance concept. This commonality will allow more effective operations for customers operating helicopter fleets across the 4 to 8.5 metric ton categories.

(Image provided by AgustaWestland)

FMI: www.agustawestland.com