The AW139

The Qatar Armed Force has taken delivery of its first AW139 medium twin helicopter, which will be operated by the Qatar Emiri Air Force supporting various government agencies.

The helicopters will perform a range of activities including utility, troop transport, search and rescue, border patrol, special forces operations, law enforcement and homeland security.

A contract for 18 units was signed in August 2008 which also included crew training and an initial spares package. The Qatar Armed Forces becomes the third operator of military-configured AW139 helicopters following the Irish Air Corps and UAE Armed Forces.

"It gives us great pleasure to celebrate the handover of the first AW139 to such an important customer ahead of the planned delivery schedule,” said Giuseppe Orsi, chief executive officer, AgustaWestland.

“The military configured AW139 has been developed to meet the Qatar Armed Forces' demanding requirements and I am confident it will exceed their operational expectations in service."

Designed to be easily and quickly converted between roles, the AW139 is perfectly suited for military and public security applications. The AW139 cabin can be configured to carry 8 to 15 troops in its spacious eight cubic metre cabin. Large sliding cabin doors allow both troops and equipment to be loaded and unloaded easily and quickly.

The AW139 sets new standards of performance in its class for military applications with a maximum cruise speed of 165 knots (306 km/h) and a maximum range in excess of 570 nm (1060 km) with auxiliary fuel.

The aircraft has outstanding one engine inoperative capabilities even in the hot an high environmental conditions, a statement said.

 The advanced integrated cockpit with state-of-the-art technology minimises pilot workload allowing the crew to concentrate on mission objectives.

For military missions the AW139 features dedicated equipment to meet a range of general and specialist roles. – TradeArabia News Service