AW139

The AW139 is a highly versatile, medium-lift twin-engine helicopter manufactured by Leonardo, an Italian global high-technology company known for its extensive range of advanced rotorcraft.

Leonardo (formerly AgustaWestland) is a major player in aerospace, defense, and security. The history of the AW139 traces back to a joint program launched in 1997 between Agusta and Bell Helicopters, initially marketed as the Agusta-Bell AB139. After Bell withdrew, the program continued under AgustaWestland (now Leonardo). The helicopter’s first flight occurred in February 2001, and it was introduced in 2003. As of July 2024, over 1,200 units have been produced.

The AW139 is designed for a variety of demanding roles, including VIP/corporate transport, offshore transport, military use, law enforcement, firefighting, Search and Rescue (SAR), Emergency Medical Services (EMS), and disaster relief. Its state-of-the-art integrated avionics and safety features, such as optional Full Ice Protection System (FIPS), ensure suitability for challenging conditions.

Common operators around the world include the Italian Air Force, Irish Air Corps, United Arab Emirates Air Force, and commercial entities like CHC Helicopter. The helicopter is widely used globally across countries such as Australia, Brazil, Canada, Egypt, India, Japan, the UK, and the USA for various critical missions. Final assembly is performed in Vergiate, Italy, and Philadelphia, United States.