AgustaWestland to deliver AW139 helicopter to South Korea

AgustaWestland, a Finmeccanica company, has received a contract from the Republic of Korea’s Public Procurement Service and Chungnam fire fighting department for the development of an AW139 intermediate twin engine helicopter.

Under the contract, AgustaWestland will deliver an AW139 intermediate helicopter, integrated with four axis auto pilot, Bambi bucket, search light, dedicated EMS suite, fast roping fittings, rescue hoist for Chungnam fire fighting department.

Scheduled to be delivered in the second half of 2015, the helicopter is capable of conducting fire fighting, search and rescue, emergency medical services (EMS) and utility mission in support of the Chungnam community.

AgustaWestland Northeast Asia region head Andrew Symonds said that the multi-role abilities allow the AW139 helicopter to assist and safeguard communities when needed.

"This order marks the fourth operator in the Republic of Korea to select the AW139 as its primary helicopter for fire fighting missions, reaffirming once again the reputation of this outstanding aircraft for public utility missions," Symonds added.

The Chungnam fire fighting department’s AW139 helicopter will also be fitted with four screen glass cockpit for Night Vision Goggle (NVG) operations.

The AW139 can conduct a wide range of missions including search and rescue, maritime patrol, law enforcement, fire fighting, disaster relief, VIP/corporate transport and electronic news gathering.

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