AgustaWestland AW139 Facts for Kids

The AgustaWestland AW139 is a powerful and versatile helicopter made by companies in Italy and the United Kingdom. It's used all around the world for many different jobs, both by armed forces and by regular people and businesses. It has two turboshaft engines, which makes it very reliable and strong. Helicopters like the Airbus H175 and Sikorsky S-70 are similar in size and purpose.

Royal Air Force AgustaWestland AW139.

What is the AW139?
- Key Features of the AW139
Who Uses the AW139?
Images for kids
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What is the AW139?

The AW139 is a medium-sized helicopter designed to be very flexible. It can fly in many different weather conditions and perform a wide range of tasks. Its two powerful engines mean it can carry a lot of weight and fly for long distances.

Key Features of the AW139

The AW139 has several important features that make it a great helicopter:

Twin Engines: Having two engines means it's safer. If one engine stops working, the helicopter can often still fly with the other. This also gives it more power for lifting and flying fast.
Five-Blade Main Rotor: The main rotor, which creates lift, has five blades. This helps the helicopter fly smoothly and quietly.
Retractable Landing Gear: The wheels can be pulled up into the helicopter's body after takeoff. This makes the helicopter more aerodynamic, helping it fly faster and use less fuel.
Modern Cockpit: The cockpit has advanced digital screens and controls, making it easier for pilots to fly and manage the helicopter's systems.

Who Uses the AW139?

The AW139 is popular with many different groups because it can do so many things.

Emergency and Rescue Services

Many countries use the AW139 for critical missions:

Search and Rescue: It's often used to find and rescue people who are lost or in danger, whether at sea, in mountains, or after natural disasters.
Air Ambulances: Hospitals and medical services use it to quickly transport injured or sick people to emergency rooms. These helicopters are like flying ambulances.
Firefighting: Some AW139s are equipped to help fight fires, especially in hard-to-reach areas.

Law Enforcement and Military

Police forces, coast guards, and military units also rely on the AW139:

Patrol and Surveillance: It's used for patrolling borders, coastlines, and large areas to keep an eye on things.
Law Enforcement: Police use it for chasing suspects, transporting special teams, and general law enforcement duties.
Military Transport: Armed forces use it for moving troops, supplies, and for special operations.

Civilian and Corporate Use

Beyond emergency and military roles, the AW139 is also used by businesses and individuals:

Corporate Transport: Companies use it to fly executives and important guests quickly between locations.
Offshore Transport: It's often used to carry workers to and from oil and gas platforms out at sea.
Tourism: Some tour operators use it for scenic flights or luxury travel.

Images for kids

A corporate transport AW139
The AW139 has a five-blade main rotor and retractable undercarriage
Instrument panel of the AW139
A SASEMAR AW139 during a helihoisting exercise
Ornge AW139 air ambulance
AW139 helicopter of Bangladesh Air Force
Cypriot AW139 departs the USS Stout
Irish Air Corps AW139
A Maltese Air Wing AW139
The first MH-139 delivered to the USAF, Eglin Air Force Base, Florida in 2019.
An AW139 from the Victoria Police
An AW139 from the Dutch Caribbean Coast Guard
An AW139 with the Japan Coast Guard
A Los Angeles City Fire Department AW139 taking off
Drawing lines
Guardia Costiera AW139 with engine doors, main gearbox sliding fairing and nose cowling opened