Leonardo AW139

The Leonardo AW139 is a versatile medium-sized twin-engine helicopter designed and manufactured by Leonardo S.p.A. (formerly AgustaWestland). It is renowned for its exceptional performance, reliability, and versatility, making it a popular choice for various missions worldwide.

Performance

The AW139 is powered by two Pratt & Whitney PT6C turboshaft engines, delivering impressive speed, range, and endurance. It can achieve a maximum speed of approximately 165 knots (306 km/h) and has a range of around 570 nautical miles (1,055 km) with standard fuel tanks.

Capacity

With a spacious cabin and flexible seating configurations, the AW139 can accommodate up to 15 passengers comfortably. It also offers ample cabin space for cargo transport, making it suitable for a wide range of missions, including offshore transport, VIP/corporate transport, emergency medical services (EMS), search and rescue (SAR), and law enforcement.

Safety

The AW139 incorporates advanced avionics and flight systems, including a digital glass cockpit with integrated flight management systems and autopilot, enhancing situational awareness and pilot workload reduction. It also features redundant systems for increased safety and reliability.

Comfort

Passengers aboard the AW139 experience a smooth and comfortable ride, thanks to its advanced vibration reduction systems and soundproofing measures. The cabin is designed for comfort and convenience, with ergonomic seating, climate control, and panoramic windows offering excellent visibility.

Mission Capabilities

The AW139 is renowned for its versatility, capable of performing a wide range of missions, including offshore oil and gas support, executive and VIP transport, emergency medical services (EMS), search and rescue (SAR), law enforcement, firefighting, and utility operations.

Global Presence

With a strong global presence, the AW139 is operated by various civil and military operators worldwide, serving diverse industries and mission requirements. Its proven track record and reliability make it a trusted choice for demanding operations in both urban and remote environments.

Overall, the Leonardo AW139 stands out as a benchmark in the medium-sized helicopter category, offering exceptional performance, safety, and versatility to meet the evolving needs of operators across different sectors.

Technical Characteristics

Powerplant

The Leonardo AW139 is powered by two Pratt & Whitney Canada PT6C turboshaft engines, each capable of producing approximately 1,679 shaft horsepower (SHP).

Maximum Takeoff Weight (MTOW)

The AW139 has a maximum takeoff weight of approximately 6,400 kilograms (14,109 pounds).

Maximum Cruise Speed

It has a maximum cruise speed of approximately 165 knots (306 kilometers per hour).

Range

The AW139 has a maximum range of approximately 570 nautical miles (1,055 kilometers) with standard fuel tanks.

Rotor System

The helicopter features a five-bladed main rotor system and a four-bladed tail rotor, providing excellent lift capability, stability, and maneuverability.

Avionics

Equipped with advanced digital avionics systems, including a glass cockpit with integrated flight management systems, autopilot, and communication/navigation equipment.

Cabin Configuration

The spacious cabin of the AW139 can accommodate up to 15 passengers in a comfortable seating arrangement. It can also be configured for specialized missions such as VIP transport, emergency medical services (EMS), search and rescue (SAR), or utility operations.

Cargo Capacity

In addition to passenger transport, the AW139 offers significant cargo capacity for carrying equipment, supplies, or other payloads as needed.

Operational Characteristics

Offshore Operations

The Leonardo AW139 is widely used for offshore oil and gas operations, including crew transport to offshore platforms and rigs. Its long range, high speed, and large passenger capacity make it well-suited for supporting offshore energy projects.

VIP Transport

With its spacious and comfortable cabin, the AW139 is frequently utilized for VIP and corporate transport missions, providing passengers with a luxurious travel experience.

MEDEVAC/Emergency Medical Services (EMS)

The helicopter can be equipped with medical equipment and configured for EMS operations, allowing for the rapid transport of patients to medical facilities in critical situations.

Search and Rescue (SAR)

Equipped with hoist and winch capabilities, the AW139 can conduct search and rescue missions in challenging environments, including overwater and mountainous terrain.

Utility Operations

The AW139 is capable of performing various utility operations, including aerial work, cargo transport, and external load lifting, making it a versatile asset for industries such as construction, firefighting, and logistics.

Overall, the Leonardo AW139 is a highly capable and versatile helicopter, offering exceptional performance, safety, and operational flexibility to meet the diverse needs of operators in sectors such as offshore energy, VIP transport, emergency services, and more.

LIMSAR and MEDEVAC Versions

Westair Helicopters’ LIMSAR (Limited Search And Rescue) and MEDEVAC versions of these helicopters are equipped with specialized medical equipment, including stretchers, medical kits, and life support systems. The HOIST system allows for the safe and precise extraction and rescue of individuals in challenging environments, such as offshore platforms, rugged terrain, or remote locations. Specially trained crew members, including medical personnel and rescue specialists, are onboard to operate the HOIST system effectively and efficiently during emergency situations. These versions are configured to swiftly respond to medical emergencies, search and rescue missions, or other critical situations where rapid extraction or evacuation is required, ensuring the safety and well-being of passengers and crew alike.

Equipment

Hoist System

The Leonardo AW139 can be equipped with a rescue hoist system, typically installed on the aircraft's side door or cabin floor. The hoist allows for the rapid deployment and recovery of rescue personnel and equipment during MEDEVAC and LIMSAR operations.

Medical Interior

Medical Interior: The AW139 can be configured with a specialized medical interior to accommodate medical stretchers and essential medical equipment. This interior includes:

Secure attachment points for medical stretchers, allowing for the safe transport of patients.

Medical equipment cabinets stocked with essential supplies, including medical kits..

Foldable medical seats or benches for medical personnel.

Communications Equipment

Communications Equipment: Advanced communication systems are installed to facilitate coordination between the helicopter crew, medical personnel, and ground-based rescue teams. This includes:

Two-way radios or secure communication systems for real-time communication between the helicopter crew and rescue personnel.

Satellite phones or other long-range communication devices for communication in remote or inaccessible areas.

Navigation and Safety Equipment

The AW139 is equipped with advanced navigation and safety equipment to ensure safe and efficient operations in all conditions. This includes:

GPS navigation systems for accurate positioning and route planning.

Weather radar and other meteorological instruments for monitoring weather conditions along the flight path.

Terrain awareness and warning systems (TAWS) to alert the crew of potential obstacles or hazards.

Configuration

Patient Compartment

The AW139's cabin is configured to accommodate one or more medical stretchers securely anchored to the floor. The patient compartment is designed to provide ample space for medical personnel to attend to the patient during transport.

Seating for Medical Personnel

Foldable medical seats or benches are installed in the cabin to allow medical personnel to sit comfortably while attending to the patient. These seats may include safety restraints to ensure the safety of medical staff during flight.

Accessibility and Loading

The helicopter features wide cabin doors and spacious interior dimensions to facilitate easy loading and unloading of patients on stretchers. Additionally, the AW139 may be equipped with a hoist system to facilitate patient extraction in remote or inaccessible locations during LIMSAR operations.

Emergency Lighting and Accessibility

The AW139 is equipped with emergency lighting systems to ensure visibility and accessibility during nighttime or low-light conditions. Cabin doors are designed for quick and easy opening in case of emergency evacuation.