ROME, July 22 (UPI) -- Malta has signed a procurement deal with AgustaWestland for as many as three AW139 helicopters for maritime border patrol and search-and-rescue missions.
The agreement is for one AW139 to be delivered by June of next year, and possibly two more by 2015.
The contract includes an integrated logistics support package and training of pilots and technicians. No purchase price, however, was given.
"We are proud to add the Armed Forces of Malta to the long list of customers who have selected the AW139 to meet their Patrol/SAR requirements," said Marco Acca, senior vice president of International Government Business. "The AW139 has demonstrated yet again after an extensive evaluation that it is best-in-class, delivering unmatched capability, performance and value for money when compared to other competing models."
The AW139 has a maximum speed of 193 mph, a range of 573 miles and a service ceiling of 20,000 feet.
For Malta, the aircraft will feature high-definition FLIR system radar, a naval transponder, satellite communication system and systems specific to search-and-rescue work.
