UAE’s JAC selects AW609 TiltRotor for SAR missions

Joint Aviation Command (JAC) of the United Arab Emirates has selected the AW609 TiltRotor for search and rescue (SAR) missions.

The AW609 TiltRotor will have 275k maximum speed and a range of roughly 750 nm.

Joint Aviation Command will be the launch customer for the SAR variant and it is set to be operated by the UAEaEUR’s Joint Aviation Command.

The scheduled delivery of first three AW609 TiltRotors, with three additional options, will begin in 2019.

AW609 is expected to have approximately twice the speed and double the range of a helicopter reducing the time it takes to reach a rescue scene.

The Joint Aviation Command will be the launch customer for the search and rescue variant of the AW609TiltRotor, which will include a tailored equipment configuration to meet its specific operational requirements.

The Joint Aviation Command said: "The AW609’s unique speed and range characteristics, combined with its ability to hover, will dramatically increase SAR mission capabilities of the UAE’s Joint Aviation Command.

"We look forward to operating the AW609 TiltRotor and utilizing the speed advantage it brings."

The JAC currently operates eleven AW139 helicopters for a wide range of missions such as the search and rescue mission.