AgustaWestland, the Anglo-Italian helicopter company, has secured a contract that marks the first entry of its AW169 model into the UK market.
The company, a wholly owned subsidiary of Rome-based industrial group Finmeccanica, has signed a preliminary contract with the Warwickshire & Northamptonshire Air Ambulance (WNAA) for two AW169 helicopters.
The aircraft will be delivered in 2015, and will be specially designed for the WNAA’s air ambulance mission requirements.
Since the all-new AW169’s launch earlier this year, a number of firm orders have already been placed worldwide to meet a range of commercial and public service requirements, the company said.
The AW169 is a new-generation, twin engine light intermediate category helicopter with multi-role capabilities, designed for high performance and to meet all the latest safety standards.
Weighing in at 4.5 tonnes, the model features new-generation technologies incorporated in the rotor system, engines, avionics, transmission and electric power generation and distribution systems.
According to AgustaWestland, the AW169 is set to be the most advanced and cost-effective helicopter in its class for EMS, SAR, law enforcement, passenger and offshore transport and utility missions.
Commenting on the deal, Ray Edwards, managing director of AgustaWestland, said: “We are delighted that the Warwickshire & Northamptonshire Air Ambulance has chosen the AW169 to meet its future air ambulance requirements. Being at the forefront of air ambulance services in the UK, the AW169 is the ideal platform to further enhance the service they provide to the communities they serve.
“The AW169 is ideal for air ambulance and police missions and we are confident that it will find great success in the UK market.”
Andy Williamson, chief executive officer of Warwickshire & Northamptonshire Air Ambulance, added: “We are delighted with the development of the AW169 and intend to launch the first two in service as a more advanced state-of-the-art helicopter emergency medical service.”
