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Italian coast guard orders two Leonardo AW139 helicopters

Deal brings Italian coast guard's AW139 fleet to 12, with options for two more helicopters.

By Geoff Ziezulewicz
The Italian coast guard has ordered two more Leonardo-Finmeccanica AW139 helicopters, the company announced Thursday. Photo courtesy Leonardo-Finmeccanica
The Italian coast guard has ordered two more Leonardo-Finmeccanica AW139 helicopters, the company announced Thursday. Photo courtesy Leonardo-Finmeccanica

ROME, Aug. 4 (UPI) -- The Italian coast guard has ordered two more Leonardo-Finmeccanica AW139 helicopters, the company announced Thursday.

The order increases the coast guard's AW139 fleet to 12, with options for two more of the helicopters, Leonardo said in a statement. The initial contract was awarded in 2010.

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The aircraft will perform maritime patrol, search and rescue, and emergency medical service missions.

More than 960 AW139 helicopters have been ordered from nearly 240 customers in more than 70 countries, the company said.

The Italian AW139s feature external rescue hoists, cargo hooks, wire strike protection systems, search and weather radar and other features.

It also features a spacious cabin to accommodate crews, equipment and survivors.

It is also used by the Italian state police, the customs and border agency and the country's air force.

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