Marco Acca, Senior Vice President International Government Business Unit, AgustaWestland said “We are proud to add the Armed Forces of Malta to the long list of customers who have selected the AW139 to meet their Patrol/SAR requirements. The AW139 has demonstrated yet again after an extensive evaluation that it is best-in-class; delivering unmatched capability, performance and value for money when compared to other competing models.”
The order is part of the ongoing plan to strengthen the capabilities of the Armed Forces of Malta, who benefit from the European Borders Fund Programme and who have been cooperating for decades, with excellent results, with the Italian Armed Forces. The AW139 will be equipped with a state-of-the-art equipment package for maritime patrol and SAR missions that includes a high-definition FLIR system, search/weather radar, cabin mission console, naval transponder, search light, satellite communication system, a 4-axis autopilot with SAR modes, external rescue hoist and four bag floatation system. This state of the art intermediate twin-engine helicopter features the largest cabin in its category for greater mission flexibility and comfort. Litter layout options range from two to four in a medical evacuation configuration. Advanced technology and impressive one engine inoperative performance make the AW139 the medium twin of choice for SAR duties. Two powerful PT6-67A turboshaft engines with FADEC minimise pilot workload and offer high power margins for maximum safety.

AgustaWestland offers tailored, integrated support and training solutions intended to maximise mission effectiveness and exploitation of the AW139’s capabilities while ensuring the highest standard of safety.  AgustaWestland is able to take ab initio students and train them to become fully operational mission ready aircrew utilising a range of training devices including Level D full flight simulators, flight procedure training devices and virtual interactive procedure trainers. The AW139 has been selected by and is now performing border patrol and SAR duties with a large number of operators in Italy, UK, USA, Spain, Estonia, Japan, Republic of Korea, Malaysia to name a few. The AW139, as the market leader in its class, is also widely used for offshore transport, passenger transport, law enforcement, emergency medical transport, VIP transport and fire fighting. The AW139 helicopter is part of AgustaWestland’s family of new generation helicopters that also includes the AW169 and AW189. These helicopters all possess the same high-performance flight characteristics and safety features whilst sharing the same common cockpit concept and design philosophy. This approach facilitates synergies for operators of these models in areas such as training, maintenance and support.