AW139 helicopter

Maryland State Police Aviation Command has exercised its option to purchase three additional AW139 medium twin helicopters from AgustaWestland, replacing the old Dauphin aircraft.

Ordered under an initial contract for six AW139 helicopters placed in 2010, Maryland State Police will use the helicopters for emergency medical, search and rescue, law enforcement and homeland security missions.

The helicopter’s Pratt & Whitney PT6C-67C turbines and a new five-bladed main rotor offer high cruise speed when transporting up to 15 passengers.

Technology aspects of the AW139 consists of a Honeywell Primus Epic fully incorporated avionics system, a four-axis digital AFCS and flat panel colour displays in the cockpit with a full icing protection option.

Features of AW139 includes a helicopter emergency exit light system (HEELS), auto-deployable ELT (ADELT), moving map on 5th display, enhanced ground proximity warning system (EGPWS) and an enhanced vision system (EVS).

"The first helicopters are scheduled to be delivered to the agency in the second half of this year."

According to AgustaWestland, the helicopter features a customised Medevac interior, which will offer 57% more cabin space than the existing Dauphin helicopters.

Currently under production at the AgustaWestland’s Philadelphia facility in Pennsylvania, US, the first helicopters are scheduled to be delivered to the agency in the second half of this year.

The AW139 can also be used for a wide range of applications, such as executive/VIP transport, offshore OGP support, fire fighting, paramilitary and military roles.

The helicopter is currently operational with all North American agencies, including US Customs and Border Protection, Los Angeles Fire Department, New Jersey State Police and other major aero medical and search and rescue operators in the region.

Image: The new design approach of AW139 allows for easy accessibility to all systems for simplified maintenance tasks. Photo: courtesy of AgustaWestland.