UAE receives search-and-rescue helicopters

ABU DHABI, United Arab Emirates, March 2 (UPI) -- The Joint Aviation Command of the United Arab Emirates has received three AgustaWestland AW139 helicopters for search-and-rescue missions.

AustaWestland, in an announcement from an international defense exhibition in the country, said three additional AW139s would be delivered to the UAE later this year.

"The delivery further expands the presence of the bestselling AW139 in the UAE, confirming the nation's satisfaction with its outstanding operational capabilities, reliability and safety standards," AgustaWestland said. "JAC is one of several operators who have already selected and operate the AW139 in UAE for a wide range of missions including passenger transport, utility, law enforcement, search and rescue and offshore transport."

Maintenance, repair and overhaul services for the aircraft, in addition to logistics support, will be provided by AgustaWestland Aviation Services Ltd., a joint venture with Abu Dhabi Aviation.

More than 60 AW139 helicopters are currently operated in the UAE by various customers, AgustaWestland said.

The AW139 is a medium-size twin-engine helicopter used by military, police and public safety organizations around the world. It has a cruise speed of 191 mph and a range of 675 miles.