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viernes, 14 de diciembre de 2018

Leonardo: Italian National Fire Corps to enhance its emergency multirole airborne capabilities with contract for three AW139 helicopters

- The  contract  valued at  around €45 million  also includes support  and training services, with  an option for 12 additional  helicopters

- Aircraft  to perform  maritime and  mountain SAR, medical  rescue, firefighting and  disaster relief/civil protection  missions

- 56  AW139s  ordered by  the Italian Government  for public services to date;  over 270 customers from around 70  nations have already ordered over 1100  AW139s

Rome,  14 December  2018 – In a move  to enhance its emergency  multirole airborne capabilities  to more effectively counter the ever  increasing risks of firefighting duties,  the Italian National Fire Corps (Vigili del  Fuoco) has signed a contract for the supply  of three AW139 intermediate twin engine helicopters.  The order, valued at around €45 million, also includes  integrated logistic support and training for pilots and technicians,  and encompasses an option for 12 additional helicopters. Deliveries of  the three new aircraft are expected to start shortly and to be completed  in 2019.

Over  816,000  rescue operations  occur every year countering  fires across Europe, including  many in Italy this year. In order  to better face these challenges the  Italian National Fire Corps, part of the department  of firefighters, public rescue and civil defence within  the Ministry of the Interior, is acquiring the world’s best  rescue helicopter capable to also carry out maritime and mountain Search  and Rescue (SAR), medical rescue, and disaster relief/civil protection. The  AW139 has been selected by the customer following a competitive tender launched  in 2017.

The  7 tonne  AW139s of  the Italian  National Fire  Corps are expected  to progressively replace  their AB412s helicopters which have been  in service for decades. The new aircraft  of the Italian National Fire Corps will feature  a wide range of mission equipment, including an external  rescue hoist, cargo hook with bambi bucket provision, weather  radar, multi-band and satellite communication systems, high definition  Forward Looking Infra-Red / Low Light TV (FLIR/LLTV) system, Leonardo’s  high definition mission console with digital recorder, high definition down  link, Leonardo’s Optical Proximity LiDAR System (OPLS), Night Vision Goggle (NVG)  capability, new generation Trakka searchlight, emergency floatation system and external  life rafts, external loudspeaker, medical rack and bubble windows.

The  AW139  design incorporates  a large spacious cabin  accessed by two sliding doors,  powerful engines that deliver class  leading performance and safety, making  it the aircraft of choice in its weight  class. Excellent one engine inoperative capability  ensures the aircraft can accomplish the most demanding  missions while maintaining the ability to fly away safely  in the rare event of an engine failure. The cockpit features  the latest technology including fully integrated avionics, a 4axis  digital Automatic Flight Control System with dedicated SAR modes and  large flat panel colour displays - reducing pilot workload and allowing the crew  to concentrate on the mission.