Wed, Nov 29, 2006
Aero-News has learned AgustaWestland handed over two AW139
helicopters for the Irish Air Corps at a recent ceremony at the Air
Corps base at Casement Aerodrome, Baldonnel, Dublin, Ireland. The
AW139s will be based at Casement.
The AW139 helicopters for the Irish Air Corps are equipped with
a range of role-specific equipment including AM/FM tactical radios,
a rescue hoist and a fifth cockpit LCD mission display. In the
cabin the aircraft can be quickly reconfigured from the troop
transport role with ten crashworthy troop seats to the medical
evacuation role with air ambulance equipment plus seats for
attendants. Additional role equipment includes abseiling and fast
rope systems as well as a dual machine gun installation.
The delivery of the first of four AW139s was made last August
during a ceremony that took place at AgustaWestland's Vergiate
plant, Italy. The AW139 was selected by the Irish Department of
Defence in December 2004, after a full evaluation of the aircraft
against several competitors. Soon after, a contract was signed for
four aircraft plus two options.
The Irish Air Corps will use the aircraft for a range of duties,
including transport of special operations units of the Defence
Forces, air ambulance, overland search and rescue and VIP
transport.
Over 200 AW139 helicopters have been ordered making it the best
selling helicopter in the medium twin class. Over 50 aircraft have
now been delivered to customers in Europe, Asia, Africa, North
America and the Middle East.
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