JNPA to receive additional AW139 helicopter

The Japan National Police Agency (JNPA) has awarded a contract to AgustaWestland, a Finmeccanica company, and Mitsui Bussan Aerospace for the delivery of another AW139 intermediate twin helicopter.

Under the contract, AgustaWestland and Mitsui will supply AW139 helicopter to the JNPA to replace its ageing Bell 412 model.

Scheduled to enter service with JNPA in 2015, the helicopter will be configured with rescue hoist, search light, auxiliary tank and avionics systems such as an enhanced ground proximity warning system and enhanced vision system for law enforcement missions.

AgustaWestland Japan president Andrew Symonds said, "This order represents the 9th Prefecture to operate the AW139 helicopter in a law enforcement role and underpins the strength of AgustaWestland’s products in the extremely competitive law enforcement market where over recent years we have gained significant market share."

Currently, the AW139 is operational in Japan supporting a number of roles such as search and rescue and coast guard duties, fire fighting, disaster relief and electronic news gathering with a number of operators.

Capable of flying at a maximum speed of 306 km/h, the helicopter has a maximum range of more than 570nm (1060km) with auxiliary fuel.

Widely operated by civil, military, law enforcement and homeland security agencies across the world, the aircraft is powered by twin-engine power consisting of two Pratt & Whitney PT6C-67C turboshaft engines equipped with a Full Authority Digital Engine Control (FADEC) system.

Image: An AgustaWestland-built AW139 helicopter during its flight. Photo: © 2012 AgustaWestland – A Finmeccanica Company.