1000th AW139 delivered
Thread Starter
1000th AW139 delivered
This is really a quite incredible accomplishment considering the time since its introduction into service. Why on earth did Bell every sell out their share of this great helicopter?
https://www.verticalmag.com/press-re...39-helicopter/
On Sept. 20, Leonardo delivered its 1,000th AW139 helicopter. The event represents a historic achievement: the AW139 is the most important helicopter program in the last 15 years at an international level, and it is also able to set a production record in the Italian aviation industry’s outlook. The 1,000th machine of this model was delivered to Italy’s Guardia di Finanza during an official celebration which was held at Leonardo’s plant in Vergiate (Varese – Italy), in the presence of institutional representatives, customers, partners and suppliers, as well as the company’s top management and employees.The 1,000th AW139 was delivered on Sept. 20, 2019, to Italy’s Guardia di Finanza during an official celebration, held at Leonardo’s plant in Vergiate. Leonardo PhotoAdvertisement
The AW139’s first flight dates back to the beginning of 2001. The helicopter boasts orders of over 1,100 units from more than 280 customers in over 70 countries on all continents. The aircraft has shown extraordinary levels of reliability and operational capabilities with almost 2.5 million flight hours recorded since the first delivery took place at the beginning of 2004. Data of use testify the extreme versatility of the AW139 which satisfies any market need: more than 30 percent for public utility tasks such as search and rescue and air ambulance, law enforcement, firefighting, disaster relief; over 30 percent for offshore transport; around 20 percent for military tasks; the rest account for VIP, institutional and corporate transport missions.
Leonardo’s CEO, Alessandro Profumo, said: “What we celebrate today is much more than the success of a product or of a company. It is the global affirmation of an asset of our entire country. Thanks to the commitment, knowledge and professional skills present at Leonardo and to our products, like the AW139, our host of technologies and history of flight innovation – these all form important pillars of our industrial capabilities. The AW139 is a striking example of the role that Leonardo plays and intends to continue to have in the world. All our values are reflected in the AW139: continuous innovation, internationalization, proximity to the market and to the customer, and the enhancement of human resources.”
Leonardo Helicopters’ managing director, Gian Piero Cutillo, added: “With the AW139 the company has been able to create an extraordinary program with international roots and with its global success this has allowed us to reach the top of the industry’s world helicopter market. Without the self-denial, the preparation and the passion of workers from different generations and nationalities who believed in and worked on its development, and who still follow it in its operational path by constantly confronting the market and customers, all this would not have been possible.”
The AW139 fleet has a global presence: around 30 percent in Europe, almost as much in Asia and Australasia, 15 percent in the American continent, followed by the Middle East. The international success of the AW139 is so important that to meet market demands the helicopter is produced on different assembly lines both in Italy, in the Vergiate plant, and in the United States in Philadelphia.
The AW139, along with Leonardo’s other new generation models, has played a significant role in the evolution of the market. These aircraft have contributed to the company taking a 40 percent share of the world’s civil sector in terms of value in 2018. The AW139 has grown significantly in just a few years, adapting to the changing needs of customers. The maximum take-off weight increased from 6.4 to seven tons. Almost 1,000 mission kits and equipment have been certified. With advanced protection systems against icing, the AW139 can fly in all weather conditions. This model is also the only one in the world capable of continuing to fly for over 60 minutes without oil in the transmission, twice as much as the 30 minutes set by the certification authorities. Despite the experience and maturity achieved in 15 years of operational activity, the AW139 remains a young and modern program, destined to play a leading role into the future.
The AW139 represents a turning point in the rotary-wing sector through the introductory concept of the Leonardo “helicopter family.” The AW139 is, in fact, the forefather of a helicopter family comprising of the smaller and lighter AW169 and the larger and heavier AW189. Models, the only case in the world, that share the same design philosophy, the same high performance, the same flight characteristics and the same certification standards, as well as the same approach to maintenance and training. A concept that allows operators with large diversified fleets, with models ranging from four to nine tons of weight, to create significant synergies in crew training, flight operations, maintenance and logistics support.
https://www.verticalmag.com/press-re...39-helicopter/
Leonardo delivers 1,000th AW139 helicopter
Posted on September 20, 2019; Leonardo Press ReleaseOn Sept. 20, Leonardo delivered its 1,000th AW139 helicopter. The event represents a historic achievement: the AW139 is the most important helicopter program in the last 15 years at an international level, and it is also able to set a production record in the Italian aviation industry’s outlook. The 1,000th machine of this model was delivered to Italy’s Guardia di Finanza during an official celebration which was held at Leonardo’s plant in Vergiate (Varese – Italy), in the presence of institutional representatives, customers, partners and suppliers, as well as the company’s top management and employees.The 1,000th AW139 was delivered on Sept. 20, 2019, to Italy’s Guardia di Finanza during an official celebration, held at Leonardo’s plant in Vergiate. Leonardo PhotoAdvertisement
The AW139’s first flight dates back to the beginning of 2001. The helicopter boasts orders of over 1,100 units from more than 280 customers in over 70 countries on all continents. The aircraft has shown extraordinary levels of reliability and operational capabilities with almost 2.5 million flight hours recorded since the first delivery took place at the beginning of 2004. Data of use testify the extreme versatility of the AW139 which satisfies any market need: more than 30 percent for public utility tasks such as search and rescue and air ambulance, law enforcement, firefighting, disaster relief; over 30 percent for offshore transport; around 20 percent for military tasks; the rest account for VIP, institutional and corporate transport missions.
Leonardo’s CEO, Alessandro Profumo, said: “What we celebrate today is much more than the success of a product or of a company. It is the global affirmation of an asset of our entire country. Thanks to the commitment, knowledge and professional skills present at Leonardo and to our products, like the AW139, our host of technologies and history of flight innovation – these all form important pillars of our industrial capabilities. The AW139 is a striking example of the role that Leonardo plays and intends to continue to have in the world. All our values are reflected in the AW139: continuous innovation, internationalization, proximity to the market and to the customer, and the enhancement of human resources.”
Leonardo Helicopters’ managing director, Gian Piero Cutillo, added: “With the AW139 the company has been able to create an extraordinary program with international roots and with its global success this has allowed us to reach the top of the industry’s world helicopter market. Without the self-denial, the preparation and the passion of workers from different generations and nationalities who believed in and worked on its development, and who still follow it in its operational path by constantly confronting the market and customers, all this would not have been possible.”
The AW139 fleet has a global presence: around 30 percent in Europe, almost as much in Asia and Australasia, 15 percent in the American continent, followed by the Middle East. The international success of the AW139 is so important that to meet market demands the helicopter is produced on different assembly lines both in Italy, in the Vergiate plant, and in the United States in Philadelphia.
The AW139, along with Leonardo’s other new generation models, has played a significant role in the evolution of the market. These aircraft have contributed to the company taking a 40 percent share of the world’s civil sector in terms of value in 2018. The AW139 has grown significantly in just a few years, adapting to the changing needs of customers. The maximum take-off weight increased from 6.4 to seven tons. Almost 1,000 mission kits and equipment have been certified. With advanced protection systems against icing, the AW139 can fly in all weather conditions. This model is also the only one in the world capable of continuing to fly for over 60 minutes without oil in the transmission, twice as much as the 30 minutes set by the certification authorities. Despite the experience and maturity achieved in 15 years of operational activity, the AW139 remains a young and modern program, destined to play a leading role into the future.
The AW139 represents a turning point in the rotary-wing sector through the introductory concept of the Leonardo “helicopter family.” The AW139 is, in fact, the forefather of a helicopter family comprising of the smaller and lighter AW169 and the larger and heavier AW189. Models, the only case in the world, that share the same design philosophy, the same high performance, the same flight characteristics and the same certification standards, as well as the same approach to maintenance and training. A concept that allows operators with large diversified fleets, with models ranging from four to nine tons of weight, to create significant synergies in crew training, flight operations, maintenance and logistics support.
I don't believe Bell actually wanted out. They just needed the money as they were essentially bust.
Same again for the BA609. Bell couldn't keep pouring money into it when they didn't have money to pour. Look how much more money AW have put in so far.
I was told that when Bell pulled out of the 139, Agusta tried to purchase Bell outright but was blocked at government levels.
Not sure how true that is. Agusta were pretty strong financially at the time, as they still are today.
If only they would get of the Honeywell flight deck and get something more helo oriented up front on the 139!
Same again for the BA609. Bell couldn't keep pouring money into it when they didn't have money to pour. Look how much more money AW have put in so far.
I was told that when Bell pulled out of the 139, Agusta tried to purchase Bell outright but was blocked at government levels.
Not sure how true that is. Agusta were pretty strong financially at the time, as they still are today.
If only they would get of the Honeywell flight deck and get something more helo oriented up front on the 139!
Noooby, you could almost be Canadian to butter face the 139 for the FMS. The Dutchies loved their UNS-1K -when we were covering the screen with a Garmin handheld, and their ilk likewise took to the Honeywell in the 139, where fingers had to blur the FMS keyboard prior to every takeoff. Still, a solid aircraft and the 1000 milestone proves design and engineering were tuned to industry demand. Just like Robinson.
Last edited by malabo; 21st Sep 2019 at 00:07.
It’s a great achievement. 20 years ago, the then AB139 was at the Paris air show as a mock-up. Now, Leonardo is probably the dominant manufacturer in the helicopter sector and has buried the Dauphin / 155 and S-76.
Verigiate event today
This is really a quite incredible accomplishment considering the time since its introduction into service. Why on earth did Bell every sell out their share of this great helicopter?
https://www.verticalmag.com/press-re...39-helicopter/
On Sept. 20, Leonardo delivered its 1,000th AW139 helicopter. The event represents a historic achievement: the AW139 is the most important helicopter program in the last 15 years at an international level, and it is also able to set a production record in the Italian aviation industry’s outlook. The 1,000th machine of this model was delivered to Italy’s Guardia di Finanza during an official celebration which was held at Leonardo’s plant in Vergiate (Varese – Italy), in the presence of institutional representatives, customers, partners and suppliers, as well as the company’s top management and employees.The 1,000th AW139 was delivered on Sept. 20, 2019, to Italy’s Guardia di Finanza during an official celebration, held at Leonardo’s plant in Vergiate. Leonardo PhotoAdvertisement
The AW139’s first flight dates back to the beginning of 2001. The helicopter boasts orders of over 1,100 units from more than 280 customers in over 70 countries on all continents. The aircraft has shown extraordinary levels of reliability and operational capabilities with almost 2.5 million flight hours recorded since the first delivery took place at the beginning of 2004. Data of use testify the extreme versatility of the AW139 which satisfies any market need: more than 30 percent for public utility tasks such as search and rescue and air ambulance, law enforcement, firefighting, disaster relief; over 30 percent for offshore transport; around 20 percent for military tasks; the rest account for VIP, institutional and corporate transport missions.
Leonardo’s CEO, Alessandro Profumo, said: “What we celebrate today is much more than the success of a product or of a company. It is the global affirmation of an asset of our entire country. Thanks to the commitment, knowledge and professional skills present at Leonardo and to our products, like the AW139, our host of technologies and history of flight innovation – these all form important pillars of our industrial capabilities. The AW139 is a striking example of the role that Leonardo plays and intends to continue to have in the world. All our values are reflected in the AW139: continuous innovation, internationalization, proximity to the market and to the customer, and the enhancement of human resources.”
Leonardo Helicopters’ managing director, Gian Piero Cutillo, added: “With the AW139 the company has been able to create an extraordinary program with international roots and with its global success this has allowed us to reach the top of the industry’s world helicopter market. Without the self-denial, the preparation and the passion of workers from different generations and nationalities who believed in and worked on its development, and who still follow it in its operational path by constantly confronting the market and customers, all this would not have been possible.”
The AW139 fleet has a global presence: around 30 percent in Europe, almost as much in Asia and Australasia, 15 percent in the American continent, followed by the Middle East. The international success of the AW139 is so important that to meet market demands the helicopter is produced on different assembly lines both in Italy, in the Vergiate plant, and in the United States in Philadelphia.
The AW139, along with Leonardo’s other new generation models, has played a significant role in the evolution of the market. These aircraft have contributed to the company taking a 40 percent share of the world’s civil sector in terms of value in 2018. The AW139 has grown significantly in just a few years, adapting to the changing needs of customers. The maximum take-off weight increased from 6.4 to seven tons. Almost 1,000 mission kits and equipment have been certified. With advanced protection systems against icing, the AW139 can fly in all weather conditions. This model is also the only one in the world capable of continuing to fly for over 60 minutes without oil in the transmission, twice as much as the 30 minutes set by the certification authorities. Despite the experience and maturity achieved in 15 years of operational activity, the AW139 remains a young and modern program, destined to play a leading role into the future.
The AW139 represents a turning point in the rotary-wing sector through the introductory concept of the Leonardo “helicopter family.” The AW139 is, in fact, the forefather of a helicopter family comprising of the smaller and lighter AW169 and the larger and heavier AW189. Models, the only case in the world, that share the same design philosophy, the same high performance, the same flight characteristics and the same certification standards, as well as the same approach to maintenance and training. A concept that allows operators with large diversified fleets, with models ranging from four to nine tons of weight, to create significant synergies in crew training, flight operations, maintenance and logistics support.
https://www.verticalmag.com/press-re...39-helicopter/
Leonardo delivers 1,000th AW139 helicopter
Posted on September 20, 2019; Leonardo Press ReleaseOn Sept. 20, Leonardo delivered its 1,000th AW139 helicopter. The event represents a historic achievement: the AW139 is the most important helicopter program in the last 15 years at an international level, and it is also able to set a production record in the Italian aviation industry’s outlook. The 1,000th machine of this model was delivered to Italy’s Guardia di Finanza during an official celebration which was held at Leonardo’s plant in Vergiate (Varese – Italy), in the presence of institutional representatives, customers, partners and suppliers, as well as the company’s top management and employees.The 1,000th AW139 was delivered on Sept. 20, 2019, to Italy’s Guardia di Finanza during an official celebration, held at Leonardo’s plant in Vergiate. Leonardo PhotoAdvertisement
The AW139’s first flight dates back to the beginning of 2001. The helicopter boasts orders of over 1,100 units from more than 280 customers in over 70 countries on all continents. The aircraft has shown extraordinary levels of reliability and operational capabilities with almost 2.5 million flight hours recorded since the first delivery took place at the beginning of 2004. Data of use testify the extreme versatility of the AW139 which satisfies any market need: more than 30 percent for public utility tasks such as search and rescue and air ambulance, law enforcement, firefighting, disaster relief; over 30 percent for offshore transport; around 20 percent for military tasks; the rest account for VIP, institutional and corporate transport missions.
Leonardo’s CEO, Alessandro Profumo, said: “What we celebrate today is much more than the success of a product or of a company. It is the global affirmation of an asset of our entire country. Thanks to the commitment, knowledge and professional skills present at Leonardo and to our products, like the AW139, our host of technologies and history of flight innovation – these all form important pillars of our industrial capabilities. The AW139 is a striking example of the role that Leonardo plays and intends to continue to have in the world. All our values are reflected in the AW139: continuous innovation, internationalization, proximity to the market and to the customer, and the enhancement of human resources.”
Leonardo Helicopters’ managing director, Gian Piero Cutillo, added: “With the AW139 the company has been able to create an extraordinary program with international roots and with its global success this has allowed us to reach the top of the industry’s world helicopter market. Without the self-denial, the preparation and the passion of workers from different generations and nationalities who believed in and worked on its development, and who still follow it in its operational path by constantly confronting the market and customers, all this would not have been possible.”
The AW139 fleet has a global presence: around 30 percent in Europe, almost as much in Asia and Australasia, 15 percent in the American continent, followed by the Middle East. The international success of the AW139 is so important that to meet market demands the helicopter is produced on different assembly lines both in Italy, in the Vergiate plant, and in the United States in Philadelphia.
The AW139, along with Leonardo’s other new generation models, has played a significant role in the evolution of the market. These aircraft have contributed to the company taking a 40 percent share of the world’s civil sector in terms of value in 2018. The AW139 has grown significantly in just a few years, adapting to the changing needs of customers. The maximum take-off weight increased from 6.4 to seven tons. Almost 1,000 mission kits and equipment have been certified. With advanced protection systems against icing, the AW139 can fly in all weather conditions. This model is also the only one in the world capable of continuing to fly for over 60 minutes without oil in the transmission, twice as much as the 30 minutes set by the certification authorities. Despite the experience and maturity achieved in 15 years of operational activity, the AW139 remains a young and modern program, destined to play a leading role into the future.
The AW139 represents a turning point in the rotary-wing sector through the introductory concept of the Leonardo “helicopter family.” The AW139 is, in fact, the forefather of a helicopter family comprising of the smaller and lighter AW169 and the larger and heavier AW189. Models, the only case in the world, that share the same design philosophy, the same high performance, the same flight characteristics and the same certification standards, as well as the same approach to maintenance and training. A concept that allows operators with large diversified fleets, with models ranging from four to nine tons of weight, to create significant synergies in crew training, flight operations, maintenance and logistics support.
below here are some of my photos including the 1000th to the Guardia Di Finanza..
cheers
The "map" display is, or at least was, just a black screen with your waypoints on it. You could then put TCAS on it and weather or EGPWS. But not a true moving map showing proper maps with airspace etc. It seemed like a lot of money on a great system that didn't have all the options turned on. And don't get me started on the cost of a new Options CD if you install new equipment that has to be integrated with the Primus Epic.
I wonder if that was a driver with moving to the Collins flight deck on the 169/189.
The fixed wing versions of Primus Epic I've seen have much better mapping and more updates.
But does Phase 8 have a moving map, with, you know, a map? Or do you still need to have a stand alone 5th screen or a portable GPS to get a good moving map?
The "map" display is, or at least was, just a black screen with your waypoints on it. You could then put TCAS on it and weather or EGPWS. But not a true moving map showing proper maps with airspace etc. It seemed like a lot of money on a great system that didn't have all the options turned on. And don't get me started on the cost of a new Options CD if you install new equipment that has to be integrated with the Primus Epic.
I wonder if that was a driver with moving to the Collins flight deck on the 169/189.
The fixed wing versions of Primus Epic I've seen have much better mapping and more updates.
The "map" display is, or at least was, just a black screen with your waypoints on it. You could then put TCAS on it and weather or EGPWS. But not a true moving map showing proper maps with airspace etc. It seemed like a lot of money on a great system that didn't have all the options turned on. And don't get me started on the cost of a new Options CD if you install new equipment that has to be integrated with the Primus Epic.
I wonder if that was a driver with moving to the Collins flight deck on the 169/189.
The fixed wing versions of Primus Epic I've seen have much better mapping and more updates.
yup, no more useless black screens and the Epic suite will be now more in line with what you can expect in a G600. They are planning to offer some kind of synthetic vision system too I believe if there is enough interest. I can't remember the full details of phase 8 but expect news shortly from the folks at Honeywell.
The Italian ‘Finance Police’ get a new AW139 with rescue hoist? Intrigued I had a look and according to Wikipedia the Italian Finance Police have over 600 boats and ships and 100 aircraft. I had no idea that Italy was such a wealthy nation.
AW 139 for new PZ Heliport
And next year will see the return of the Penzance (New Heliport) to Isles of Scilly (Tresco) service using the AW 139 in 12 seat mode.
The new Heliport is well on its way, and is a substantial operation only some 300 yards from the previous site which went for a new supermarket.
If somone 'pm,s' me for an image they can post it for general interest.
The original service from PZ to ST Marys IOS was one of the few scheduled HC services anywhere in the world at the time with the S61 (EB) being specially modified in the hull for quick baggage tfr.
The new Sainsbury supermarket had been flying a wind sock on site since it opened, but i assume this will cease when the new operation starts.
A great boost to Penzance which had prooved to be be such a good location for both transport connections, and the weather factor. (sea level as opposed to 400ft at St Just)
The new Heliport is well on its way, and is a substantial operation only some 300 yards from the previous site which went for a new supermarket.
If somone 'pm,s' me for an image they can post it for general interest.
The original service from PZ to ST Marys IOS was one of the few scheduled HC services anywhere in the world at the time with the S61 (EB) being specially modified in the hull for quick baggage tfr.
The new Sainsbury supermarket had been flying a wind sock on site since it opened, but i assume this will cease when the new operation starts.
A great boost to Penzance which had prooved to be be such a good location for both transport connections, and the weather factor. (sea level as opposed to 400ft at St Just)
All of the Parapublic entities in Italy use Leonardo products, whether they really need them or not.
Jack
S-76 didn't go past around 800 ish. The 139 of course started as the Augusta Bell 139 and straddled both the 412 and S-76 segments with the space of the 412 and the speed of the S-76 cleverly creating its own niche. Its also a great helicopter and has become the default medium choice. I wonder if the 525 will one day become a game changer?
1000 machines in 20 years. I don't believe that the Sikorsky S-76 has reached this number after almost 44 years of production.
