AgustaWestland, has signed a contract with the Swedish Maritime Administration for seven AW139 intermediate twin helicopters. The aircraft will be equipped for Search and Rescue (SAR) operations with the first helicopter scheduled to be delivered in the spring of 2013 and the final one in 2014. The Swedish Maritime Administration is the authority responsible for Maritime and Aeronautical Search and Rescue Services in Sweden and will operate the AW139 helicopters from 5 bases across the country. Geoff Hoon, Managing Director International Business, AgustaWestland said after the signing of the contract “We are delighted that the Swedish Maritime Administration has chosen the AW139 to meet its future SAR helicopter requirement following a detailed evaluation process. The AW139, as the world’s bestselling and most capable helicopter in its class, will provide Sweden with an excellent SAR capability.”

This order continues the success of the AW139 in the European SAR market where its long range and all-weather operational capability are key advantages. The AW139 is also widely used in Northern Europe for passenger transportation to offshore oil and gas installations. The AW139 delivers best-in-class performance with a maximum cruise speed of 165 knots (306 kph), a range in excess of 500 nm (927 km) and superior hover performance. With its power reserve, the AW139 delivers Category “A” (Class 1) performance from a helipad (elevated or at ground level) at maximum take-off weight which also makes it a safe helicopter whilst performing demanding SAR missions. The Swedish Maritime Administration’s AW139s will also be equipped with the unique Full Ice Protection System (FIPS) allowing flights into known icing conditions and enabling all weather operations, when other types would be confined to the hangar.