Delivery Adds To A Growing Fleet Of AW Choppers In Korea

AgustaWestland has delivered two AW139 helicopters to the Korea Coast Guard. Korean officials accepted the aircraft during an official ceremony held at the Vergiate plant in Italy. The AW139s will be used for maritime patrol, search and rescue and emergency medical service purposes.   
 
The Korea Coast Guard says the new helicopters will provide maritime patrolling and Search and Rescue services in the country. These helicopters add to the Gangwon Fire Fighting Department's AW139 already in service in Korea, and further expand the presence of AgustaWestland products in the region.    
 
In addition to the latest AW139 helicopters, the company recently signed a contract for one AW119Ke helicopter for the Korea National Police to add to the existing 24 Super Lynx helicopters and 2 AW109 family of helicopters operating in Korea. To support the growing number of helicopters, AgustaWestland recently authorized United International Helicopters as the AgustaWestland authorised Service Center in-country.  

The company claims the AW139 has the largest cabin in its class, with large sliding doors to enable quick access. The cabin also allows configuration changes to meet operational requirements. With a maximum speed of 167 knots and excellent range and endurance, the AW139 can be quickly deployed. Also, AugustWestland says the AW139 is the only medium twin-engine helicopter in production that exceeds the latest FAR Part 29 certification standards for safety. The integrated avionic system provides the basis for managing the sensors and comprehensive communications suite. The aircraft can be fitted with a variety of mission-specific equipment as well, including advanced FLIR (Forward Looking Infra-Red), search/weather radar, search light, rescue hoist and emergency flotation system.
 

AW139 helicopters are in use with coastal/border patrol and security agencies in Japan, Malaysia, UK, Italy, Spain, Estonia, Cyprus, UAE and others. Over 440 orders have been placed by almost 120 customers from over 40 countries to date. The AW139 can perform many roles including search and rescue, emergency medical service, law enforcement, fire fighting, offshore transport, VIP/corporate transport and military utility missions.

FMI: www.agustawestland.com