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.

FMI: www.agustawestland.com, www.military.ie/aircorps/index.html