JNPA to receive two additional AW139 helicopters

AgustaWestland and Mitsui Bussan Aerospace have received a contract from the Japan National Police Agency (JNPA) to supply two AW139 twin engine helicopters, marking the total number of AW139 helicopters ordered in Japan to more than 40.

The two helicopters will be used in Hokkaido and Fukushima prefectures while the Japan Coast Guard ordered for 18 AW139 aircraft to date.

Designed to conduct search and rescue and coast guard duties, law enforcement, fire fighting, disaster relief and electronic news gathering missions, the AW139 rotorcraft is also used by Tokyo Metropolitan Police and Fire and Disaster Management Agency as well as several prefectures and city authorities.

AW139 is a new-generation medium twin-turbine helicopter designed to be able to perform flexible multirole operations in hot and high environmental conditions.

Capable of carrying up to 15 passengers, the AW139 aircraft is powered by Pratt & Whitney Canada PT6C-67C turbines and is equipped with fully integrated avionics system, a four-axis digital AFCS and large flat panel colour displays in the cockpit.

With a maximum range of 1,061km, the helicopter a maximum range in excess of 570nm with auxiliary fuel and a maximum cruising speed of 165k.

Japan’s helicopter fleet is supported by four official service centres to provide maintenance and repair services.

The company has received orders for over 700 units from almost 180 customers from more than 50 countries while over 500 units are already in service.