February 3 / AgustaWestland AW139 first flight
First Flight 3 February 2001
AgustaWestland AW139
The AgustaWestland AW139, now known as the Leonardo AW139, is a prominent medium-sized twin-engine helicopter developed by the Italian manufacturer AgustaWestland, now part of Leonardo. With a capacity to accommodate up to 15 passengers, the AW139 is marketed for various roles, including VIP and corporate transport, military operations, offshore transport, firefighting, law enforcement, search and rescue, emergency medical services, disaster relief, and maritime patrol. Its versatility has made it a popular choice across multiple sectors.
The origins of the AW139 can be traced back to 1997, when Agusta launched a program to develop a replacement for the Bell Huey family of helicopters. Anticipating a market for around 900 aircraft, Agusta partnered with Bell Helicopter in 1998 to establish the Bell/Agusta Aerospace Company (BAAC). This joint venture aimed to develop two aircraft: the conventional helicopter designated AB139 and a tiltrotor aircraft known as the BA609. However, in 2000, Bell withdrew from the AB139 project, leading to a rebranding of the helicopter as the AW139. The first order was placed by Bristow Helicopters in September 2000, and the helicopter made its maiden flight on February 3, 2001.
The AW139 quickly established itself as a commercial success, particularly in the civilian sector. By May 2005, over 100 orders had been placed globally, with a significant portion coming from operators in the offshore oil and gas industry, which required helicopters with extended range and endurance. In 2005, AgustaWestland acquired Bell’s 25% stake in the program for $95 million, allowing it to fully control the AW139’s development and production. The helicopter features a five-bladed main rotor and a four-bladed tail rotor, powered by two Pratt & Whitney Canada PT6C turboshaft engines with a Full Authority Digital Engine Control (FADEC) system, enhancing performance and simplifying maintenance.
Recognizing the helicopter’s potential for military applications, AgustaWestland developed the militarized variant, the AW139M, which was first procured by the Italian Air Force. This version includes enhancements such as a high-definition forward-looking infrared (FLIR) system and self-protection capabilities, making it suitable for a range of military missions. The AW139M has been promoted in the U.S. market, particularly for the U.S. Air Force’s Common Vertical Lift Support Program, and has seen adoption in various military roles globally, including the MH-139 Grey Wolf model selected by the U.S. Air Force to replace its UH-1N fleet.
The production of the AW139 has involved global partnerships, with PZL-Świdnik, a Polish manufacturer, producing hundreds of airframes, and HeliVert, a joint venture between AgustaWestland and Russian Helicopters, establishing a production line in Russia. The first AW139 assembled in Russia flew in December 2012, and by 2014, HeliVert had received certification to produce commercial AW139s. In 2015, AgustaWestland introduced a model with an increased maximum gross weight, further enhancing its operational capabilities. The AW139’s design is noted for its docile flying characteristics and predictable handling, contributing to its popularity among operators.
As of January 2021, over 1,100 AW139s had been sold, with a diverse customer base spanning more than 200 operators in 60 countries. The helicopter has served a wide array of missions, from offshore oil and gas support to search and rescue operations, demonstrating its adaptability and reliability. AgustaWestland’s strategy has focused on creating a standardized family of helicopters, with the AW139 as the cornerstone, allowing for shared components and design philosophies that simplify maintenance and training for operators while reducing production costs.
AW139 Facts
Collaborative Origins: The AW139 was initially a joint venture between Italian manufacturer Agusta and the American company Bell Helicopters. It was first marketed as the Agusta-Bell AB139 before Bell withdrew from the project, leading to its redesignation as the AW139.
Versatile Roles: The Leonardo AW139 is designed to fulfil a wide array of roles, including VIP and corporate transport, military operations, offshore transport, firefighting, law enforcement, search and rescue, emergency medical services, disaster relief, and maritime patrol.
Global Manufacturing Network: While primarily produced in Italy and the United States, the AW139’s production involves international collaboration. Polish manufacturer PZL-Świdnik has produced hundreds of airframes, and the Russian joint venture HeliVert established a production line in Russia.
Commercial Success: Since its maiden flight on February 3, 2001, and entry into revenue service in 2003, the AW139 quickly became a commercial success with over 1,100 units sold by January 2021 across more than 200 operators in 60 countries.
Military Variants: The AW139M is a militarized version first procured by the Italian Air Force. Additionally, the United States Air Force operates the MH-139 Grey Wolf model, which serves as a replacement for its UH-1N fleet.
Advanced Avionics: The AW139 features a modular Honeywell Primus EPIC avionics system with a four LCD screen glass cockpit and options for a four-axis autopilot. The latest versions include a synthetic vision system, enhancing pilot situational awareness and safety.
Innovative Design Features: The helicopter boasts a five-bladed fully articulated main rotor with a titanium hub and composite blades, a four-bladed tail rotor, and retractable tricycle landing gear, contributing to its performance and versatility.
Economic Impact: By 2013, the AW139 had become a significant revenue generator for AgustaWestland, accounting for 9.5% of the company’s overall revenue in 2010 and producing 90 units per year by 2011.
Heavyweight Variant: In 2015, a heavier version of the AW139 was introduced, increasing its gross weight to seven tonnes and enabling a range of 305 km while carrying 12 passengers. This variant can also undergo rebuilds from existing models.
Extensive Customization: The AW139 offers over a thousand customizable equipment options, including auxiliary fuel tanks, rescue hoists, cargo hooks, search and weather radar, ice protection systems, external cameras, searchlights, and varied seating arrangements to meet specific mission requirements.
