Italian Police Receive Their First Two AW139 Helicopters

AgustaWestland have announced that the Italian Police has taken delivery of its first two AW139 intermediate twin engine helicopters on schedule. These helicopters will be operated by the 1st Aviation Unit of the Italian Police and based at Pratica di Mare, close to Rome. Additional aircraft will be delivered to the customer in the coming months. The contract, which was signed in July last year, includes a total of eight AW139 helicopters.

The AW139 was chosen by the customer after a comprehensive evaluation process of competing bids, proving the AW139 to be the best value solution to meet its demanding mission and safety requirements. The replacement of old helicopter models with AW139s, partially funded by the European Union Frontex programme, supports the fleet modernization plans of the Italian Police and will benefit the communities they serve across national borders.

The AW139 has also been chosen by and is in service with the Italian Coast Guard, Guardia di Finanza (Customs and Border protection) and the Italian Air Force. The Italian Police joins the list of Italian Government agencies operating the AW139, enabling it to benefit from existing logistics, training and support systems.

The contract signed by the Italian Police will bring the total number of AW139s chosen by all of these Italian government operators to 31, covering the widest scope of public utility roles including law enforcement and homeland security, patrol, special operations, search and rescue, government/VVIP transport, disaster relief and command and control. The Italian Police AW139 configuration includes a high definition latest generation FLIR, satellite communication system, searchlight, rescue hoist and a cabin mission console.