Article Posted on : - May 18, 2011

AgustaWestland AW139 helicopter. Photo: AgustaWestland.

WASHINGTON (BNS): AgustaWestland North America has received a $ 37.8 million value contract together with AMCOM, Army Aviation and Missile Command Contracting Center, through the US Foreign Military Sales programme.

According to the contract, the company will be delivering two AW139 helicopters to the Egyptian Air Force, which also includes logistics support, a training package, search and rescue equipment and medical kits.

"AgustaWestland is proud to partner with the US Army and our allies to provide the most advanced rotorcraft technology for their mission needs and believe the modern, best selling AW139 will be a valued asset for the Egyptian Air Force’s helicopter fleet," R. Scott Rettig, chief executive officer of AgustaWestland North America, was quoted as saying in the company news release.

Deliveries will conclude by November 30 next year, according to the US Department of Defense.

AgustaWestland will configure two Pennsylvania-built AW139s for search and rescue missions; support the US Army in training aircrews; and provide a spare parts package to ensure successful fielding of the aircraft.

The AW139 features a low acoustic signature, integrated mission avionics and is available with a full ice protection system, allowing aircrews to accomplish missions in the most demanding, all-weather conditions.

With unrivalled range and the highest power-to-weight ratio in its class, the AW139 sets standards of multi-mission performance in high and hot conditions and with a cruise speed of 165 knots.