AgustaWestland wins AW139 helicopter order in Japan

Yamagata Prefecture Firefighting and Disaster Prevention Agency in Japan has selected AgustaWestland to provide an AW139 intermediate twin helicopter.

Under the contract, AgustaWestland will supply the AW139 integrated with Bambi bucket, traffic collision avoidance system (TCAS), weather radar, FLIR and enhanced ground proximity warning system to Yamagata Prefecture Firefighting and Disaster Prevention Agency.

Scheduled to enter service in the second quarter of 2015, the AW139 helicopter will replace an ageing model being operated by the agency.

AgustaWestland Japan president Andrew Symonds said, "The growing success experienced by the AW139 in Japan for so many roles, particularly for public utility applications, confirms that the aircraft is ideal for meeting the many varied operational requirements of agencies throughout the nation."

The AW139 helicopter will also feature search light, cargo hook, rescue hoist, snow skids, wire strike protection system and external loudspeakers to support wide variety of missions.

Capable of flying at a maximum speed of 306 km/h, the helicopter has a maximum range of more than 570nm (1060km) with auxiliary fuel.

Till date, the Japan Coast Guard has placed orders for 18 AW139 helicopter for its ability to perform missions including search and rescue and coast guard duties, law enforcement, firefighting, disaster relief and electronic news gathering.

The helicopter is also a choice for the Japan National Police Agency, Tokyo Metropolitan Police and Fire and Disaster Management Agency as well as several prefectures and city authorities.

Image: An AgustaWestland-built AW139 helicopter during its flight. Photo: © 2012 AgustaWestland – A Finmeccanica Company.