AgustaWestland AW139

AgustaWestland AW139
Contando Estrelas · CC BY-SA 4.0 · source
Name	AgustaWestland AW139
Type	Medium twin-engined helicopter
Manufacturer	AgustaWestland
First flight	2001
Introduced	2003
Status	In service

AgustaWestland AW139 is a medium-lift twin-engined helicopter designed for a wide range of roles including Search and rescue, Offshore drilling support, VIP transport, Law enforcement, and Emergency medical services. Developed by AgustaWestland in the early 2000s, the type became notable for its combination of payload, range, and modern avionics, seeing rapid adoption by civil operators, government agencies, and military forces worldwide. The platform has been employed by organizations involved in North Sea oil operations, United Nations missions, and national services in regions such as Europe, Asia, Africa, and the Americas.

Development and Design

The AW139's development began under Agusta and Westland Helicopters during industrial consolidation that involved companies such as Fiat and later Leonardo S.p.A.. The program sought to fill requirements set by procurement offices in countries including United Kingdom, Italy, United States Department of Homeland Security-related units, and operators serving the North Sea oil sector. Design choices reflected lessons from types like the Sikorsky S-76, Eurocopter EC155, and Bell 412, while incorporating technologies adopted by NHIndustries and lessons from Bell Helicopter Textron programs. The aircraft uses twin turboshaft engines sourced from manufacturers like Pratt & Whitney Canada and Honeywell Aerospace, coupled with a five-blade main rotor and composite materials influenced by research at institutions such as Politecnico di Milano.

Airframe layout emphasized survivability standards similar to those adopted by the Federal Aviation Administration and certification practices of the European Union Aviation Safety Agency. Avionics suites integrated systems supplied by vendors including Rockwell Collins, Honeywell, and Thales Group, enabling capabilities akin to those in Glass cockpit designs used on Boeing and Airbus platforms. The design also incorporated mission systems used by operators like Bristow Group and CHC Helicopter for offshore oil transport, with cabin configurations adaptable for Royal Air Force utility roles and executive interiors for customers in countries such as Russia and Japan.

Variants

The program produced civil and military variants to meet requirements set by users including U.S. Coast Guard-style SAR units and comparable agencies in Australia, Brazil, and South Africa. Notable configurations paralleled roles filled by helicopters like the Agusta A109 and Westland Lynx, with special mission packages analogous to systems fielded on the NH90 and Eurocopter EC225. Variants included VIP transport versions used by governments such as Italy and Thailand, maritime patrol adaptations similar to those operated by Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force, and armed configurations tested by militaries including United Arab Emirates and Qatar. Some operators retrofitted avionics comparable to upgrades performed on Sikorsky UH-60 Black Hawk fleets and integrated defensive aids used by forces like Royal Navy helicopter units.

Operational History

Since introduction, the AW139 has been deployed in high-tempo environments like North Sea oil platforms, Mediterranean Sea SAR corridors, and disaster response following events similar to the 2011 Tōhoku earthquake and tsunami and hurricanes impacting Caribbean nations. The type has seen service with civil operators including Bristow Group, CHC Helicopter, and national services such as Irish Coast Guard and Japan Coast Guard, paralleling operational footprints of platforms like the Bell 412 and Eurocopter AS365 Dauphin. Military and law enforcement use extended to units comparable to Italian Air Force search-and-rescue squadrons and police aviation units in Hong Kong and Singapore. Export success involved procurement deals with countries like China, Mexico, South Korea, and Argentina, contributing to international helicopter market dynamics studied by analysts at Jane's Information Group.

Operators

Civil, government, and military operators span continents: commercial fleets run by companies such as Bristow Group and CHC Helicopter; coast guard and SAR units including Irish Coast Guard, Japan Coast Guard, and agencies in Indonesia; military operators in nations like Italy, United Arab Emirates, Serbia, Thailand, South Korea, Mexico, and Argentina. VIP and executive customers include state officials from Italy and private operators in Russia and Brazil. Humanitarian operators similar to Médecins Sans Frontières and Red Cross affiliates have used the type for medical evacuation in regions affected by crises akin to those overseen by United Nations humanitarian missions.

Specifications

Typical specifications include twin turboshaft engines comparable in output to models from Pratt & Whitney Canada or Honeywell, cruise speeds in the range associated with medium twins like the Sikorsky S-76, and operational ranges supporting offshore oil support operations to and from platforms in the North Sea and Gulf of Mexico. Cabin layouts are configurable for medevac missions resembling configurations used by Emergency Medical Services providers in United States and Europe, and passenger capacities align with requirements similar to those of Eurocopter EC155 operators. Certification standards adhered to regulations set by European Union Aviation Safety Agency and coordinated with airworthiness authorities in countries such as United States and Brazil.

Accidents and Incidents

The type's safety record includes incidents investigated by authorities like national air accident investigation bodies including Aviation Safety Network-referenced agencies, with investigations often coordinated with manufacturers such as Leonardo S.p.A. and engine suppliers like Pratt & Whitney Canada. High-profile events prompted reviews by regulatory bodies similar to European Union Aviation Safety Agency and influenced operational practices at major operators including Bristow Group and national SAR units in countries such as Ireland and Italy. Specific accidents led to fleet modifications and procedural changes comparable to outcomes from inquiries into incidents involving helicopters like the Sikorsky S-92 and Eurocopter AS332 Super Puma.

Category:Helicopters