260 million Euro contract for 18 AW139 helicopters with Qatar Armed Forces
AgustaWestland signed a contract to supply 18 AW139 medium twin helicopters to the Qatar Armed
Forces. These aircraft will be operated by the Qatar Emiri Air Force supporting various Government
Agencies to perform several roles including utility, troop transport, search and rescue, border patrol,
special forces operations, law enforcement and homeland security duties. The contract value is about
260 million Euro and includes crews training and initial spares package.
This contract marks the continued success of the AW139 in the Middle East market with over 100
units purchased in the region. This order increases the sales total to more than 370 helicopters
ordered by over 100 customers in nearly 40 countries.
Additionally, this order further expands the success of the military-configured AW139 in the market having already been ordered by the Irish Air Corps and the UAE Armed Forces. An Irish Air Corps’ AW139 helicopter was recently showcased in the AgustaWestland static display at Farnborough International Air Show 2008.
The AW139 can be configured to carry 8 to 15 troops in its spacious eight cubic metre cabin. Large
sliding cabin doors allow both troops and equipment to be loaded and unloaded quickly. The AW139
sets new standards for performance in its class with a maximum cruise speed of 165 knots (306 km/h)
and a maximum range in excess of 570 nm (1060 km) with auxiliary fuel. The advanced integrated
cockpit with state-of-the-art technology minimises pilot workload allowing the crew to concentrate on mission objectives.
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