TOKYO, July 20 (UPI) -- Japan's coast guard has ordered six additional AW139 medium twin-turbine helicopters from AgustaWestland for patrol and search-and-rescue missions.
With this latest contract the Japanese coast guard has ordered a total of 11 AW139 helicopters.
"We are happy that the Japan coast guard has decided to expand its fleet of AW139's in the framework of its fleet modernization program, which envisages the introduction of up to 24 new platforms," Andrew Symonds, president of AgustaWestland Japan said. "This new order provides clear evidence of the customer's confidence with the outstanding operational capabilities and cost/effectiveness of the platform and we are confident that sales of the AW139 will continue to grow throughout Japan in the future."
The coast guard's AW139s are equipped for all-weather, day/night and ship-based operations and carry a comprehensive mission equipment package that includes a rescue hoist, a night-vision thermal imaging system, communications and navigation equipment package.
The company said its AW139 has been ordered or is now in service with a number of leading search-and-rescue operators in many countries, including Japan, South Korea, England, Italy, Spain, Estonia, Cyprus, United Arab Emirates and Malaysia.
AgustaWestland didn't disclose the value of the order.
