Representatives with AgustaWestland told ANN Tuesday the company has been awarded a contract by the Carabineros de Chile to supply four A109 Power helicopters to perform a wide range of applications including law enforcement, search and rescue and transport duties.

The first helicopter (file photo of type, above) will be delivered in the first quarter of 2007.

Agustawestland tells Aero-News the A109 Power was selected for its exceptional hot and high performance combined with its multi-role capabilities and attractive operating costs, after an evaluation of other helicopters in the light-twin category. The AgustaWestland A109 Power is a three-ton class helicopter combining safety attributes such as single pilot instrument flight capability with a high cruise speed of 154 knots (285 km/h) and class leading single engine safety.

This sale represents the first major contract for the A109 Power in Chile and AgustaWestland will soon be establishing an Authorised Service Centre in Chile to support these and other AgustaWestland commercial helicopters operating in Chile and neighboring countries.

The Carabineros de Chile has primary responsibility for public order and safety, crime control, counter terrorism, drug control and border security.

FMI: www.agustawestland.com, www.carabineros.cl/