Leonardo announced an increase in the presence of AW139 intermediate twin-engine model helicopters in Australia during the Avalon (Australian International Airshow), through orders for a total of six aircraft, carried out by three different operators: Babcock Australasia (Babcock), RACQ CQ Rescue (CQ Rescue) and StarFlight Australia. All six aircraft will be delivered to Leonardo's final assembly facility in Vergiate, Italy, throughout 2024.
The two AW139 platforms ordered by Babcock will perform HEMS (Helicopter Emergency Medical Service), Search and Rescue and Inter-Hospital Transport of patients.
The aircraft will be delivered in 2024 and will start operating in the second half of the year, after customization for the missions. The platform will feature a wide range of bespoke equipment including: enhanced 4-axis DAFCS (Digital Automatic Flight Control System) autopilot with Hover Mode, the all-new Avionic Phase 8 and TCAS II (Traffic Collision Avoidance System).
In addition to a searchlight, camera, wire cutter and rescue crane, among other options. This order will bring Babcock's total fleet to nine AW139s, as they already operate seven in Australia on behalf of Air Ambulance Victoria and RACQ CapRescue.
Babcock's Managing Director of Aviation and Critical Services, Peter Newington, said the expansion of the helicopter fleet will enhance the capacity of its contracts.
“The AW139 aircraft offers increased speed range and operational capability, which is essential for the vast distance and challenging terrain we have across Australia.”
The two AW139s ordered by CQ Rescue will be used in the Mackay region of central Queensland to perform EMS/SAR missions on-shore and off-shore, day and night, and in a variety of weather conditions.
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The aircraft will feature the latest in product improvement, technology and mission capability, such as: advanced avionics, including the latest night vision goggles, search and weather radar, in addition to the most advanced communications tools available. in the market to meet the operator's extensive mission requirements.
Thanks to the new AW139s, CQ Rescue will fly twice as far and have a 30% increase in mission speed compared to previous helicopters, being able to reach remote and rural communities faster than ever before. The AW139s are expected to be delivered in the second quarter of 2024, entering service before the end of the same year.
CQ Rescue CEO Tim Healee states: “The AW139 is one of the most reliable platforms in the industry. The air medical service we provide and the type of missions we carry out are unique, time consuming and covering long distances. The AW139s will bring tremendous benefits to our service, including next-generation avionics, superior performance, proven technology and exceptional safety features. This incredible acquisition is only possible due to the generous we have received from our community, our corporate backers and the Queensland Government.”.
StarFlight Australia's order consists of two AW139s, which will be operated in Queensland and other parts of Australia, performing EMS/SAR missions in onshore and offshore capacities. The aircraft have all the latest avionics technology, patient care and search and rescue capabilities. It should be delivered in late 2024 and will enter service after local additions and modifications, necessary for the mission.
This new order will bring the total number of AW139 helicopters operated by the StarFlight and LifeFlight groups to 15, nine of which are dedicated to EMS/SAR missions. StarFlight Australia CEO and Director Ashley van de Velde said:
“StarFlight Australia is pleased to finalize the purchase of two new AW139 helicopters that will be used for future work. We already operate several of these aircraft in our fleet and are constantly impressed with their reliability, quality and ease of maintenance. The features, technology, size and full advanced capabilities that the AW139s offer make these aircraft ideal for our requirements. Its versatility and readiness for various configurations also help us to provide bespoke aviation solutions for our customers.”
With more than 1.130 aircraft serving more than 280 customers in over 90 countries and over 3,6 million flight hours logged since certification in 2004, the AW139 has also proven to be extremely successful in rescue and emergency.
The aircraft offers excellent features, technology and safety to meet the stringent requirements of operators in harsh conditions and to maximize mission effectiveness. The AW139 features state-of-the-art avionics, advanced navigation and collision avoidance systems to enhance situational awareness and reduce pilot workload, unrivaled speed and power margins, and overall performance.
The aircraft also has the widest cabin in its category, high modularity that allows for quick reconfiguration and an exclusive main gearbox with a dry running capacity of more than 60 minutes, for greater reliability and safety, in addition to offering up to 1000 certified kits.
Street: Leonardo
