Article Posted on : - Oct 11, 2012

AW139 twin-engine helicopter. Photo: AgustaWestland.

AMSTERDAM (BNS): The Royal Thai Army has signed a contract with AgustaWestland, a Finmeccanica company, for the procurement of two AW139 twin-engine helicopters.

These aircraft will be delivered in 2014 to perform transport and utility missions across Thailand.

The contract, which also includes a comprehensive maintenance and training package, marks the entrance of the AW139 into Thailand's military helicopter market and further expands the success of the type in the country.

The AW139 has a cruise speed of 165 knots (306 kph), a range in excess of 500 nm (927 km), endurance of 5 hours and superior hover performance. It also has the largest cabin in its class which can accommodate up to 15 passengers.

The unobstructed cabin design allows maximum flexibility for different seating configurations and the transport of equipment. The baggage compartment, provides a massive 3.4 cubic metres (120 cubic feet) of storage which is easily accessible from both the cabin and outside the helicopter, AgustaWestland said in a statement.