AEM secures Canadian approval for AW139 radio upgrades

Anodyne Electronics Manufacturing (AEM) has expanded its Transport Canada supplemental type certificate (STC) to cover the installation of its MTP138 and MTP136D radios on Leonardo AW139 and AB139 helicopters.

The approval, issued under STC SH25-17, provides operators with an approved route to upgrade existing communications equipment on the twin-engine helicopter platform, which is widely used for search and rescue (SAR), offshore transport, and other specialist missions.

The MTP138 is a VHF FM radio supporting analog communications across the 138–174MHz frequency band. The MTP136D supports both analog and Project 25 (P25) digital communications across 136–174MHz.

P25 technology is used by public safety organizations for digital radio communications, making compatible equipment particularly relevant to operators coordinating with emergency services and ground-based response teams.

Both radios are supplied with night vision imaging system (NVIS) compatibility as standard and are designed to replace legacy communications equipment.

Tony Weller, AEM’s Sales and Marketing Director, said the expanded certification would simplify radio modernization for AW139 operators undertaking specialist missions.

The Canadian manufacturer is also pursuing European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) and Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) validation of its radio installation approvals to support operators in additional markets.

The announcement does not identify any AW139 operators that have adopted the equipment under the expanded STC.

Further reading: Estonia’s Police and Border Guard Board is upgrading its AW139 helicopter fleet with new mission systems to strengthen SAR, maritime surveillance, and operational coordination.