Article Posted on : - Jul 21, 2010

The AW139 helicopter for Japan Coast Guard . Photo: AgustaWestland.

YEOVIL (BNS): Japan Coast Guard has signed a contract with AgustaWestland and Mitsui Bussan Aerospace for the delivery of six AW139 medium twin helicopters.

Overall seventeen AW139 helicopters have been ordered by Japan Coast Guard including the latest contract.

“We are happy that the Japan Coast Guard has decided to expand its fleet of AW139’s in the framework of its fleet modernisation programme which envisages the introduction of up to 24 new platforms,” Andrew Symonds, President, AgustaWestland Japan, said in a company news release.

Japan will deploy these helicopters throughout its coast guard bases for performing search, rescue and maritime patrol missions.

The Japan Coast Guard’s AW139’s are equipped for all-weather, ship-based operations, with a comprehensive mission equipment package that includes a rescue hoist, high definition FLIR, communications and navigation equipment package.

The AW139 is in service with a number of leading rescue operators in many countries including Japan, South Korea, the UK, Italy, Spain, Estonia, Cyprus, UAE and Malaysia.