AgustaWestland, has announced that it signed a contract with the Swedish Maritime Administration for seven AW139 intermediate twin helicopters. The aircraft will be equipped for Search and Rescue (SAR) operations with the first helicopter scheduled to be delivered in the spring of 2013 and the final one in 2014.

The Swedish Maritime Administration is the authority responsible for Maritime and Aeronautical Search and Rescue Services in Sweden and will operate the AW139 helicopters from 5 bases across the country.

Geoff Hoon, managing director international business, AgustaWestland said after the signing of the contract “We are delighted that the Swedish Maritime Administration has chosen the AW139 to meet its future SAR helicopter requirement following a detailed evaluation process. The AW139, as the world’s bestselling and most capable helicopter in its class, will provide Sweden with an excellent SAR capability.”

The AW139 is used in Northern Europe for passenger transportation to offshore oil and gas installations.

The AW139 has a maximum cruise speed of 165 knots (306 kph), a range in excess of 500 nm (927 km). With its power reserve, the AW139 delivers Category “A” performance from a helipad (elevated or at ground level) at maximum take-off weight. The Swedish Maritime Administration’s AW139s will also be equipped with the Full Ice Protection System (FIPS).

AW139 delivers support for cabin FLIR station operation, medical treatment and casualty evacuation requirements. Large sliding doors on each side of the aircraft provide clear access to the 8 m3 (283 ft3) cabin for survivors and equipment. An additional baggage compartment space allows SAR equipment to be stowed, keeping the main cabin clear. The AW139’s design is optimized for maintenance with reduced number of parts, access to critical systems, extended component life cycle, exclusive HUMS (Health and Usage Monitoring System) as well as comprehensive training services also including advanced Level D Full Flight Simulators.

More than 500 AW139s are now in service performing many roles including SAR, air ambulance, offshore transport, VIP/corporate transport, law enforcement and military transport missions. Almost 180 customers from more than 50 countries have ordered nearly 660 AW139 helicopters so far.