The Italian Police has taken delivery of a fifth AW139 intermediate twin engine helicopter which will be based in Reggio Calabria. The contract, which was signed in July last year, includes a total of eight AW139 helicopters. Designated UH-139C, the Italian Police’s helicopters operate from bases in Southern Italy (Bari, Palermo and Reggio Calabria) as well as from Pratica di Mare close to Rome. The Italian Police AW139 configuration includes a high definition latest generation FLIR, satellite communication system, searchlight, rescue hoist and a cabin mission console. The latest aircraft also includes an advanced  HD video down link which will also be retrofitted to the Italian Police’s UH-139 helicopters already in service.

The AW139 was chosen by the customer after a comprehensive evaluation process of competing bids, proving the AW139 to be the best value solution to meet its demanding mission and safety requirements. The replacement of old helicopter models with AW139s, partially funded by the European Union Frontex programme, supports the fleet modernization plans of the Italian Police and will benefit the communities they serve.

The AW139 has also been selected by and is in service with the Italian Coast Guard, Guardia di Finanza (Customs and Border protection) and the Italian Air Force. The various Italian Government agencies operating the AW139 are able to benefit from shared logistics, training and support systems.

The contract signed by the Italian Police brought the total number of AW139s chosen by all of these Italian government operators to 31, covering a wide scope of public utility roles including law enforcement and homeland security, patrol, special operations, search and rescue, command and control, government/VVIP transport, disaster relief and training.

The AW139 is the world’s best-selling helicopter in its class and the only new generation aircraft in its weight category in service today. Over 200 customers from almost 60 countries have ordered more than 750 AW139 helicopters to perform a wide range of roles including law enforcement, homeland security, border/coast guard duties, emergency medical services, fire fighting, search and rescue, VIP/corporate transport, offshore transport and passenger shuttle services. A growing number of law enforcement and border security agencies have selected and operate the AW139 in countries such as the USA, Japan, Oman, Brazil, The Netherlands, Republic of Korea, Malaysia, UAE and China.