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Leonardo to deliver two AW139 rescue helicopters to Australia

By James LaPorta
The government of Queensland, Australia, has ordered two more Agusta Westland AW139 helicopters, Leonardo announced. Photo courtesy of Leonardo
The government of Queensland, Australia, has ordered two more Agusta Westland AW139 helicopters, Leonardo announced. Photo courtesy of Leonardo

Oct. 25 (UPI) -- The defense contracting company Leonardo announced today that the government of Queensland in Australia placed an order for two Agusta Westland AW139 helicopters.

The rotorcraft are expected to aid in the country's ability to respond with additional medical services and to conduct search and rescue missions on land or sea.

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The AW139 is a 15-seat medium-sized twin engine helicopter that cost approximately $12 million each.

The AW139s will replace two older helicopter models as part of Queensland's fleet modernization program, which aims to reduce maintenance costs, Leonardo said in a press release.

The two AW139s are expected to be delivered by December 2018, bringing Queensland's total AW139 fleet up to five.

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