Helicopters Italy´s Fire Corps receive first two AW139 helicopters

Italy´s National Fire Corps has taken delivery of its first two AW139 helicopters.

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The aircrafts are set to become the new backbone of the country´s rescue and emergency response services. With the AW139 helicopters, Italy will perform search and medical rescue, firefighting and disaster relief missions.

The deliveries are a major step forward in strengthening the collaboration between Leonardo Helicopters and Italy, stated the manufacturer. Other Italian authorities like the Italian Air Force, Guardia di Finanza, State Police, Coast Guard and other EMS operators in the country have already chosen the AW139.

A delivery ceremony was celebrated at Leonardo´s facility in Vergiate. Government representatives and local authorities witnessed the introduction of the AW139 to the Italian National Fire Corps. As being one of the worlds’ most modern helicopter, the AW139 is a perfect addition to the fleet.

With the new AW139, the operator is pushing for a fundamental fleet modernization program. The state-of-the-art helicopters will progressively replace the aging Bell AB412 helicopters which have been in service for decades. A third AW139 will join the fleet later this year, in order to appropriately replace the older aircraft.

Currently, the Italian Government operates a total of 56 AW139 helicopters. The aircraft can perform a wide scope of missions and simultaneously features latest generation avionics and sensors. Moreover, firefighting and rescue equipment is available for all operations in all conditions.

Regarding its popular AW139 helicopter, Leonardo stated: "A number of law enforcement, maritime/border patrol and security agencies from countries around the world, including Italy, the UK, USA, Japan, Republic of Korea, Malaysia, Sweden, Spain, Estonia, The Netherlands, Brazil, and UAE, have selected or are already operating the AW139 to fulfil their requirements. Over 270 customers from around 70 nations have already ordered over 1100 AW139s, more than 950 of which are in service, confirming itself as the bestselling aircraft in its category."

Source © leonardocompany.com

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