Bangladesh orders two AW139 helicopters from AgustaWestland

The AW139 belongs to AgustaWestland's family of new generation helicopters. Photo AgustaWestland - A Finmeccanica Company.

15 July 2014 airforce-technology.com

Bangladesh has ordered two AW139 intermediate twin-engine helicopters, along with a support and training package, from AgustaWestland.

The Finmeccanica subsidiary will supply the helicopters by the end of 2015.

The helicopters are expected to be operated by the air force to perform maritime search-and-rescue (SAR) operations in all weather conditions. They will also be used to conduct missions in support of maritime security and disaster relief.

The advanced mission configuration of the Bangladeshi AW139s will include search / weather radar, forward looking infrared, search light, rescue hoist, emergency floats and a four-axis dual digital automatic flight control system with hover and SAR modes.

Powered by two Pratt & Whitney PT6C turboshaft engines, the AW139 is a 15-seat medium-sized helicopter.

"The helicopters are expected to be operated by the air force to perform maritime search and rescue operations."

In addition to SAR, the helicopter is widely used for offshore passenger transport, law enforcement, emergency medical service, VIP / corporate transport and firefighting.

The chopper belongs to AgustaWestland's family of new generation helicopters, and has the same flight characteristics and safety features as the other members, such as the AW169 and AW189.

All three helicopters share common cockpit concept and design philosophy.

AgustaWestland has simultaneously won contracts for the supply of one AW139 each for Japan and the UK.

The Yokohama City Fire Department in Japan has ordered an AW139, the second in its fleet, while an undisclosed customer from the UK has ordered the helicopter for VIP transport.

Last week, Australia ordered six helicopters for emergency medical service.

AgustaWestland has more than 770 orders for AW139 from 60 countries including Italy, Spain, Estonia, Japan, South Korea, Malaysia, Sweden and the UK.