AgustaWestland, a Finmeccanica company, announced the Italian Police took delivery of a fifth AW139 intermediate twin engine helicopter to be based in Reggio Calabria.
The contract, signed in July 2012, covers a total of eight AW139 helicopter, designated UH-139C, the Italian Police’s helicopters operate from bases in Southern Italy (Bari, Palermo and Reggio Calabria) as well as from Pratica di Mare close to Rome.
The Italian Police AW139 configuration includes a high definition (HD) thermal imaging cameras (FLIR), satellite communication system, searchlight, rescue hoist and a cabin mission console.
The helcicopter includes an advanced HD video down link which will also be retrofitted to the Italian Police’s UH-139 helicopters currently in service.
The replacement of old helicopter models with AW139s, partially funded by the European Union Frontex program, supports the fleet modernization plans of the Italian Police and will benefit the communities they serve.
The AW139 has also been selected by and is in service with the Italian Coast Guard, Guardia di Finanza (customs and border protection) and the Italian Air Force and other Italian government agencies.
The contract signed by the Italian Police brought the total number of AW139s selected by all of Italian government operators to 31, covering a wide scope of public utility roles including law enforcement and homeland security, patrol, special operations, search and rescue, command and control, government/VVIP transport, disaster relief and training.
