Italian Air Force receives its first HH139 helicopter

The aircraft is the first of 17 HH-139Bs, and deliveries are expected to be completed by 2021. The helicopter will be operated by the Italian Air Force’s 15th Wing, which is in charge of search and rescue (SAR) duties and supports the national community in case of disaster relief operations.     

The HH-139Bs will join an existing fleet of 13 multirole HH-139As and four VH-139As. Compared to the HH-139A, the seven-tonne HH-139B variant features, among others, new electro-optics, new radar, a new rescue hoist and a mission console in the cabin. Core avionics will feature Phase 8 software release allowing even more advanced and safer all-weather navigation and mission capabilities.

Nearly 80 government agencies in Italy choose Leonardo

In Italy, the AW139 has also been selected by Italy’s Guardia di Finanza, State Police, Coast Guard, National Fire Corps and Carabinieri, in addition to several emergency medical service operators. This latest Italian Air Force’s program brings the total number of AW139s chosen by all of these Italian Government operators to nearly 80, covering a wide scope of public utility roles including law enforcement and homeland security, patrol, special operations and antiterrorism, SAR, fire-fighting, command and control, government/VVIP transport, disaster relief and training. 

Leonardo said it is committed to serving and protecting communities around the world and contributing to their sustainable growth. Partnering with governments, private organizations, and industries for the best security and safety capabilities is a cornerstone of Leonardo’s Be Tomorrow 2030 Strategic Plan. Just a few days ago, the Polícia Rodoviária Federal (PRF) of Brazil introduced six Leonardo AW119Kx single engine helicopters into service.