AgustaWestland, a Finmeccanica company, is pleased to announce that the Public Security Bureau of Shenzhen has ordered one AW139 medium twin helicopter. This aircraft will be used to perform a number of roles also including law enforcement, civil protection/disaster relief, transport and control missions across the Province.
The AW139 has been selected thanks to its outstanding performance, operational capabilities, safety and ease of maintenance following a rigorous and comprehensive evaluation process for the supply of a new helicopter to serve the Shenzhen community. This aircraft, the second AW139 ordered in China for law enforcement duties following the one purchased by the Beijing Municipal Public Security Bureau, adds to the AW109 Power light twin already in service with the Public Security Bureau of Shenzhen confirming the reliance of this customer on AgustaWestland products. The Public Security Bureau of Shenzhen province has a requirement for additional helicopters and the addition of this AW139 is another step to enhance public security capabilities and operational effectiveness through the acquisition of modern platforms.
This latest contract confirms AgustaWestland products as the civil helicopters of choice for law enforcement and public utility duties in China, and further expands the already relevant presence in this market where the company boasts a 90% share of the police helicopter fleet, having found a rapidly growing success with other sales logged for the AW119Ke single engine, the AW109 Power and the AW139 models. Law enforcement operators in China using AgustaWestland helicopters include Shenzhen Beijing, Nanning, Zhengzhou and Dalian Public Security Bureau.
The AW139 has the largest cabin in its class for the task with large sliding doors to enable easy and quick access. The cabin also allows easy configuration changes to meet operational requirements. The AW139 internally and externally accessible separate baggage compartment is large enough to carry a multitude of mission specific equipment. With a maximum speed of 167 knots (306 kph) and excellent range and endurance the AW139 can be quickly deployed to any crime scene or accident location. Also, the AW139 is the only medium twin-engine helicopter in production that not only meets, but also exceeds, the latest FAR 29 certification standards for safety. The integrated avionic system provides the basis for managing the sensors and comprehensive communications suite required for the law enforcement role. Over 440 AW139s have been sold in over 40 countries to almost 120 customers for various roles also comprising law enforcement, offshore transport, search and rescue, emergency medical service, VIP/corporate transport.