Sweden Orders AW139 Helicopters For SAR Operations

AgustaWestland has signed a contract with the Swedish Maritime Administration for seven AW139 intermediate twin helicopters for Search and Rescue (SAR) operations. The Swedish Maritime Administration is the authority responsible for Maritime and Aeronautical Search and Rescue Services in Sweden and will operate the AW139 helicopters from 5 bases across the country. Geoff Hoon, Managing Director International Business, AgustaWestland said after the signing of the contract “We are delighted that the Swedish Maritime Administration has chosen the AW139 to meet its future SAR helicopter requirement following a detailed evaluation process. The AW139, as the world’s bestselling and most capable helicopter in its class, will provide Sweden with an excellent SAR capability”. The Swedish Maritime Administration’s AW139s will also be equipped with the unique Full Ice Protection System (FIPS) allowing flights into known icing conditions and enabling all weather operations, when other types would be confined to the hangar. With the largest cabin in its class the AW139 delivers abundant working space and maximum mission flexibility to support cabin FLIR station operation, medical treatment and casualty evacuation requirements. Large sliding doors on each side of the aircraft provide clear access to the 8 m3 (283 ft3) cabin for survivors and equipment. An additional baggage compartment space that is accessible from inside or outside the helicopter and allows SAR equipment to be stowed, keeping the main cabin clear. The AW139’s design is optimized for easy and rapid maintenance with reduced number of parts, easy access to critical systems, extended component lifecycle, exclusive HUMS (Health and Usage Monitoring System) as well as comprehensive training services also including advanced Level D Full Flight Simulators. The first helicopter is scheduled to be delivered in 2013 and the final one in 2014.