Article Posted on : - Jul 15, 2014

AW139 helicopter. Photo: AgustaWestland

AMSTERDAM (BNS): The Bangladesh Ministry of Defence has signed a contract for two AW139 intermediate twin-engine helicopters.

The helicopters to be used for maritime search and rescue (SAR) and other utility missions will be delivered by to the Bangladesh Air Force by the end of 2015, Finmeccanica - AgustaWestland said.

This contract, which also includes a comprehensive support and training package, marks the establishment of the first dedicated maritime SAR helicopter fleet in the country.

The Bangladesh Air Force's AW139s will feature an advanced mission configuration including a search/weather radar, FLIR, search light, rescue hoist, emergency floats and a state-of-the-art 4-axis dual digital AFCS with hover and SAR modes.

The AW139 helicopter is part of AgustaWestland's family of new generation helicopters that also includes the AW169 and AW189.