The Ministry Of Defence Of Cyprus Signs Contract For Three AW139s

AgustaWestland, a Finmeccanica company, is pleased to announce that the Ministry of Defence of Cyprus has placed an order for three AW39 medium twin engine helicopters. The Cyprus MoD's AW139s will be used to perform search and rescue and utility-EMS duties, covering the Cyprus Flight Information Region (FIR). The Ministry of Defence of Cyprus is the first customer for the AW139 in the country and this order marks further success for the best selling medium twin helicopter in the SAR market.

The 15 seat AW139 is a new generation medium twin-turbine helicopter setting new standards in its class. As the sole new generation helicopter in its class, in service today, designed with inherent multi-role capability and flexibility of operation, the AW139 can fully comply with the latest stringent requirements in terms of performance and safety. Its Pratt & Whitney turbines together with a state-of-the-art 5-bladed main rotor provide unequalled performance even in demanding hot and high conditions, with an outstanding one engine inoperative capability and power to weight ratio. The availability of modular role kits allows easy and quick conversion to/from various configurations. When configured for SAR/EMS purposes the AW139 is able to carry up to four litters and six attendants. Advanced dedicated equipment, outstanding performance and the most spacious cabin in the medium twin class make the AW139 the helicopter of choice for SAR requirements.

A large number of customers have ordered or are already operating the AW139 for SAR/EMS duties in many countries including the UK, Italy, Spain, Estonia, Japan, Republic of Korea and Malaysia. Orders for over 430 AW139 helicopters have been placed by more than 100 customers from over 40 countries to carry out a number of missions including EMS/SAR, law enforcement and homeland security duties, utility, fire fighting, VIP/corporate transport and offshore transport.