FARNBOROUGH, England, Feb. 15 (UPI) -- AgustaWestland has signed purchase contracts for four AW139 helicopters, two of them for use by the Japan national police in law enforcement.
The contracts came through Mitsui Bussan Aerospace, AgustaWestland's distributor in Japan.
"This latest order highlights the continued success of the AW139 in meeting the rigorous requirements of Japan's law enforcement agencies," said Andrew Symonds, the company's head of region, NE Asia.
"It also continues our growing success in the Japanese helicopter market in recent years, meeting commercial, government and military requirements by offering innovative and modern solutions as well as establishing strong relationships with our local partners."
The AW139 is a 15-seat, twin-engine, medium-lift utility aircraft. It has a range of 573 miles and a maximum speed of 193 miles per hour.
AgustaWestland said the two helicopters for law enforcement missions will be used in the Miyagi and Niigata prefectures. The other two aircraft are being designated for the civil market.
The helicopters ordered will enter service next year.
Thirty-seven AW139s have been ordered by Japanese customers to date.
