Italian Coast Guard receives more AW139 helicopters from AgustaWestland

The Italian Coast Guard has taken delivery of additional AW139 intermediate twin aircraft from Finmeccanica-AgustaWestland.

Supplied as part of a contract awarded at the end of 2014, the three helicopters are scheduled to be used to perform a range of missions including maritime patrol, search and rescue (SAR), and emergency medical services.

The company also received a contract to supply two more aircraft, along with comprehensive support and training package, as well as options for four additional helicopters.

Apart from a wide range of SAR equipment including an external rescue hoist, cargo hook, wire strike wire strike protection system, search/weather radar, marine band and satellite communication systems, the Italian AW139s design incorporates a large spacious cabin for the crew, equipment and survivors accessed by two large sliding doors.

Additional equipment includes high definition forward looking infra-red/low light TV system, high definition mission console, Optical Proximity LiDAR System, full night vision goggle capability, new generation Trakka searchlight, emergency floatation system and external life rafts.

The latest contract increases the Italian Coast Guard’s AW139 fleet to ten units, and takes the total number of AW139s chosen by all of the Italian government operators to 37.

The Italian State Police, Guardia di Finanza and the Italian Air Force are some of the agencies that operate the helicopters for a wide scope of public utility roles including law enforcement and homeland security, patrol, special operations, search and rescue, command and control, government/VVIP transport, disaster relief and training.

Originally delivered to the Italian Coast Guard in 2010, the AW139s have successfully performed operations along the Italian coast line and in its maritime economic exclusive zone.

The helicopters are also operated by several maritime, border patrol and security agencies from different countries including Japan, Republic of Korea, Malaysia, Sweden, Spain, Estonia, UAE, as well as the UK and the US.

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Image: The Italian Coast Guard and AgustaWestland officials sign contract for two more AW189 helicopters. Photo: © 2015 AgustaWestland – A Finmeccanica Company.