The AgustaWestland AW139, currently branded as the Leonardo AW139, is a medium-sized twin-engine helicopter with a seating capacity for 15 passengers. This model was created and manufactured by the Italian company AgustaWestland, now integrated into Leonardo. It is offered for a variety of applications including VIP and corporate transport, military operations, offshore logistics, firefighting, law enforcement duties, search and rescue missions, medical emergency services, disaster response, and maritime surveillance.
The AW139 originated from a collaboration between Italy’s Agusta and the American firm Bell Helicopters. Initially marketed under the name Agusta-Bell AB139, the designation changed to AW139 following Bell’s withdrawal from the joint venture. Production occurs not only at AgustaWestland’s Italian and U.S. plants but also involves other partners such as Poland’s PZL-Świdnik, which has manufactured hundreds of airframes. Additionally, HeliVert—a joint enterprise between AgustaWestland and Russian Helicopters—has established a manufacturing facility in Russia dedicated to this type. The helicopter achieved its first flight on 3 February 2001 and entered commercial service in 2003, rapidly becoming a market success.
A significant portion of AW139 operators belong to the civilian sector. Major fleet owners include companies like CHC Helicopter, Gulf Helicopters, and Weststar Aviation. Its capabilities have made it especially favoured for supporting offshore oil and gas activities. AgustaWestland also developed a military-specific variant called the AW139M, which was initially adopted by the Italian Air Force. Other armed forces users include the United States Air Force, which operates the MH-139 Grey Wolf variant. In Japan, exclusive distribution rights have been secured by the business group Mitsui Bussan Aerospace. By July 2024, production had surpassed 1,200 units. The AW139 platform has been further expanded into the larger military-focused rotorcraft known as the AW149.
In 1997, the Italian helicopter company Agusta initiated a project aimed at creating a successor to the Bell Huey family helicopters, which had been produced extensively by Bell Helicopter and also manufactured under license by Agusta. Market forecasts estimated demand for approximately 900 units. The following year, Bell and Agusta formed a joint venture named Bell/Agusta Aerospace Company (BAAC) to develop two distinct aircraft: a traditional helicopter and a tiltrotor model. These projects resulted in the Bell/Agusta AB139 and the Bell/Agusta BA609, respectively.[1] Bell took the lead role in developing the BA609, while Agusta led the AB139 program. Production, sales, and support responsibilities were planned to be shared between both companies.[2]
The initial order was secured in September 2000 by Bristow Helicopters. The first preproduction model took to the skies on 3 February 2001 at Vergiate, Italy,[3][4] with two additional AW139s joining subsequent flight testing.[5] The maiden flight of the first production AW139 occurred on 24 June 2002.[6] Certification from the European JAA was awarded in June 2003, followed by FAA type certification in December 2004. By May 2005, global orders for the AW139 surpassed 100 units.[2] In the United States, the aircraft was marketed as the US139 and entered into competition for the US Army's Light Utility Helicopter program.[7] A significant segment of the AW139's market was within the oil and gas sector, which demanded helicopters with extended endurance capabilities for offshore missions.[8] In 2005, AgustaWestland purchased Bell’s remaining 25% stake in the program along with all rights to the AW139 for $95 million.[9][10]
By April 2008, AgustaWestland announced efforts to certify an increase in the AW139’s maximum takeoff weight to 14,991 lb (6,800 kg), aiming to better position it against larger competitors such as the Sikorsky S-92 and Eurocopter EC225 in extended-range markets.[11] A second production facility was established in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania at the United States AgustaWestland Aerospace plant in 2007.[12] By September 2014, this Philadelphia site had completed its 200th AW139, with plans to increase U.S. output to approximately 40 units annually.[13] Annual production reached around ninety units by 2011. That same year, sales of the AW139 contributed nearly one-tenth (9.5%) of AgustaWestland's total revenue.[12] By the year 2013, cumulative sales of AW139s had reached approximately 720 units across more than two hundred operators spanning sixty countries.[14]
In 2011, AgustaWestland introduced a military version of the AW139, designated as the AW139M. This variant was targeted at the US market, including the U.S. Air Force’s Common Vertical Lift Support Program. The AW139M incorporates a high-resolution forward-looking infrared (FLIR) system, a self-defense suite, reinforced landing gear, and is designed with reduced thermal and acoustic signatures. A large portion of its components are sourced from American suppliers. Available configurations include an external stores system capable of carrying various weapons, armored seating, self-sealing fuel tanks, and comprehensive ice protection for all-weather capability.
The AW139 forms the cornerstone of AgustaWestland’s broader strategy to develop a standardized helicopter family sharing core design elements. This approach aims to streamline operator training and maintenance by maximizing component commonality. Additionally, this uniformity helps reduce manufacturing expenses. The AW139 was the initial model in this lineup; by 2014, it was set to be complemented by the larger AW149 for military applications and the AW189 for civilian use. Innovations introduced in newer models are intended to be retrofitted onto existing family members, thereby lowering upgrade costs for the AW139.
In June 2010, plans were announced for AgustaWestland and Rostvertol to establish a production facility in Tomilino, Moscow Region, with initial intentions to start manufacturing AW139 helicopters by 2012. The joint venture HeliVert, formed between AgustaWestland and Rostvertol, commenced domestic assembly of the AW139 in 2012, targeting an annual output of 15 to 20 units. The first Russian-assembled AW139 conducted its maiden flight in December 2012. By January 2013, reports indicated that the Russian Defense Ministry was contemplating an order for seven AW139 helicopters. A year later, in January 2014, HeliVert secured certification from the Aviation Register of the Interstate Aviation Committee authorizing commercial production of the AW139. Subsequently, in September 2014, the Tomilino plant obtained certification to perform comprehensive maintenance and servicing of this helicopter type.
In 2015, AgustaWestland revealed an upgraded AW139 variant featuring an increased maximum takeoff weight of seven tonnes. This enhancement allows a range of 305 km while accommodating up to 12 passengers. Existing AW139 models can be modified to meet this heavier configuration; however, this improvement comes with reduced performance under hot and high-altitude conditions. Later that year, in November 2015, AgustaWestland successfully completed a 60-minute “run-dry” test on an AW139 main gearbox—operating without oil—which exceeded by 30 minutes the duration achieved by any other certified rotorcraft gearbox at that time.
The AW139 is a traditional twin-engine helicopter designed for multiple roles. Its main rotor features five fully articulated blades with a titanium hub and composite materials, complemented by a four-bladed articulated tail rotor. The helicopter is equipped with retractable tricycle landing gear, where the two rear wheels retract into external sponsons that also serve as compartments for emergency gear.[2] Piloted by two crew members, it can carry up to 15 passengers arranged in three rows of five seats each. Positioned to fill a gap in the market, the AW139 is sized below larger models like the Eurocopter AS332 Super Puma and Sikorsky S-92, yet above smaller helicopters such as the Bell 412 and Eurocopter EC155.[2] According to Rotor & Wing, the helicopter exhibits a flying behavior described as 'docile and predictable'.[2]
Power for the AW139 comes from two FADEC-managed Pratt & Whitney Canada PT6C turboshaft engines. The FADEC system automatically optimizes engine performance to enhance pilot ease and passenger comfort, capable of managing single-engine failures smoothly without noticeable impact.[15] Designed with maintenance efficiency in mind, critical components are easily accessible, parts count has been minimized where feasible, and many elements have been engineered for extended durability. Additionally, a Health and Usage Monitoring System (HUMS) is integrated.[16] Customers can select from over a thousand configurable equipment options, including auxiliary fuel tanks, rescue hoists, cargo hooks, search and weather radar systems, ice protection features, external cameras and searchlights, as well as various seating layouts.[2][17]
The cockpit of the AW139 utilizes the modular Honeywell Primus EPIC avionics suite featuring a four-screen LCD glass cockpit. While early versions offered it as an option, most units now come equipped with a four-axis autopilot that enhances automation levels and safety while enabling advanced capabilities such as automatic hovering. This automation has facilitated certification for single-pilot operations under instrument flight rules (SPIFR), and the cockpit can be optionally adapted for use with night vision goggles. The latest Primus EPIC update incorporates a synthetic vision system.[18][2] Advanced Level D Full Flight Simulators are available for pilot training on this model. The AW139 boasts "the largest cabin in its class," accommodating up to 15 passengers or four stretchers along with medical personnel. An additional baggage compartment allows storage of equipment to keep the main cabin clear.[16]
Development and production of major AW139 components involve numerous companies. Typically, airframes are manufactured by PZL-Świdnik, which reached its 200th delivered airframe in April 2014.[19] The PT6C turboshaft engines are produced by Pratt & Whitney Canada. Primary and secondary transmissions were developed respectively by Westland GKN and Kawasaki Heavy Industries. A substantial portion of avionics hardware is supplied by Honeywell.[5] Various components such as the fuselage, canopy, and radome are subcontracted to Turkish Aerospace Industries.[20] Final assembly primarily occurs at AgustaWestland's plants located in Philadelphia, United States, and Vergiate, Italy.[19] For customers within the Commonwealth of Independent States, assembly is generally performed at a third facility operated by HeliVert in Tomilino, near Moscow.[21]
The Irish Air Corps was the inaugural military user of the AW139, receiving the first unit from a six-helicopter order in August 2006.[22] Following this, the United Arab Emirates Air Force and Qatar Air Force became subsequent military customers, acquiring fleets of nine and eighteen helicopters respectively.[23] The introduction of a dedicated military variant, the AW139M, saw the Italian Air Force as its initial customer.[24] Known as the HH-139A within Italian service, this model primarily supports combat search and rescue (CSAR) missions.[25] Throughout the 2010s, the Italian Coast Guard consistently expanded its AW139 fleet, reaching a total of twelve units by mid-2016.[26]
In February 2006, Mitsui Bussan Aerospace secured a $100 million agreement for twelve AW139s along with exclusive distribution rights for Japan.[22] Later that year, the Japan Coast Guard selected the AW139 to replace its Bell 212 search and rescue helicopters. By early 2011, Mitsui Bussan had orders for eighteen units on behalf of the Coast Guard, with expectations to procure up to twenty-four.[22][27]
The Japanese National Police Agency also placed multiple AW139 orders. Additional Japanese entities have utilized these helicopters for purposes including electronic news gathering, firefighting, and disaster response.[28] By 2016, Leonardo announced delivery of the fiftieth AW139 to Japan.[29] In March 2017, the first VIP-configured AW139 was delivered within Japan to an undisclosed client.[30]
In North America, CHC Helicopter was the initial operator of the AW139.[5] By 2012, CHC operated the world's largest fleet of AW139s with forty-four aircraft engaged in search and rescue, emergency medical services, and offshore transportation missions.[31] Maintenance responsibilities for CHC's AW139s were consolidated under their MRO division Heli-One in 2015. This included post-delivery upgrades and engine servicing.[32] Collaborating with Leonardo Helicopters, Heli-One expanded its MRO capabilities to become an authorized component repair center and obtained approval to conduct main gearbox maintenance starting April 2021.[33]
The Royal Thai Army placed an initial order for two AW139s in October 2012 and increased its fleet by eight more in October 2015.[34] In September 2021, Thai Aviation Services procured three AW139s under a multi-year contract supporting oil and gas operations in Malaysia.[35] After retiring its Sikorsky S-61 helicopters in 2021, the Royal Malaysian Air Force leased four AW139s as temporary replacements.[36]
Qatar-based operator Gulf Helicopters ranks among the largest global users of the AW139 since ordering their first units in 2007 for offshore transport roles. The company also serves as an authorized service and training center for this model.[37] In Asia Pacific, Malaysian firm Weststar Aviation is the leading operator with thirty-four helicopters ordered by February 2014.[38] Since receiving their initial aircraft in December 2010, Weststar has predominantly employed them to support offshore oil and gas activities.[39]
Several AW139s have been supplied to Russian operators mainly through the HeliVert program. In September 2014, Exclases Russia acquired three VIP-configured units.[40] By December 2021, HeliVert had delivered four helicopters to Russian state-owned defense company Rostec.[41] Following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in early 2022, Leonardo Helicopters ceased business activities in Russia and limited support services for existing Russian operators.[42]
By July 2014, AgustaWestland reported that over one million flight hours had been logged collectively by more than seven hundred seventy produced AW139 helicopters worldwide.[17]
In May 2016, Leonardo-Finmeccanica announced Pakistan’s acquisition of an unspecified number of AW139s as part of a multi-batch fleet modernization plan including logistics support and training components aimed at enhancing search and rescue capabilities nationally. At that time Pakistan already operated eleven units with five assigned to government relief and general transport roles.[43][26]
Chinese entities have also imported the type; by February 2010 both the Beijing Municipal Public Security Bureau and Shenzhen Public Security Bureau had ordered two each for law enforcement duties along with disaster response and general transport tasks.[44] As of July 2022 Leonardo had delivered forty helicopters to China. The largest civil helicopter operator there is CITIC Offshore Helicopter, which operates eight AW139s.[45]
In September 2018, the United States Air Force (USAF) selected an MH-139 variant—based on the AW139—as its replacement for Vietnam-era Bell UH-1N Hueys with plans to acquire up to eighty-four units.[46][47] The first MH-139A Grey Wolf was delivered on December 19 2019 at Eglin Air Force Base.[48][49] Flight testing commenced in early 2020.[50] Several correctable issues were identified during testing; notably cabin arrangements met specifications but did not satisfy some USAF reviewers leading to consideration of alternative layouts.[51] In March 2023 USAF approved Milestone C and awarded a $285 million low-rate initial production contract for thirteen MH-139s; production began shortly thereafter.[52]
Variants
AB139
This refers to the initial production model constructed in Italy, with a total of 54 units manufactured.[53]
AW139
From the 55th aircraft onward, the designation was updated to AW139, with production continuing in Italy.[53]
AW139 (long nose configuration)
A version featuring an extended nose section to accommodate additional avionics space, produced both in Italy and the United States.[53]
AW139M
A militarized edition designed to support a variety of weapons systems.[54]
HH-139A
The Italian Air Force's designation for ten AW139Ms configured specifically for search and rescue missions.[55]
VH-139A
Two VIP-configured AW139s designated by the Italian Air Force.[56]
HH-139B
The newer iteration of the AW139 operated by the Italian Air Force under this designation.[57]
UH-139C
The Italian State Police's version of the AW139.[58]
UH-139D
This designation corresponds to the AW139 variant utilized by the Italian Carabinieri.[59]
Another variant employed by the Italian State Police.[60]
US139
A military model proposed by AgustaWestland in collaboration with L-3 Communications for the United States Army's Light Utility Helicopter program.[61]
A military variant developed jointly by Boeing and Leonardo. It was selected by the United States Air Force to replace its UH-1N helicopters.[62][63] The USAF received its first MH-139 in December 2019 and designated it as "Grey Wolf".[49]
AW139W
A variant proposed for acquisition by the Polish Armed Forces.[64]
Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency Cite error: Closing </ref> missing for <ref> tag
On 19 August 2011, an AW139 operated by Petrobras crashed into the sea at the Campos Basin off Brazil after departing from an offshore oil rig, leading to the deaths of all four individuals aboard.[109]
On 13 March 2014, an AW139 belonging to Haughey Air (registration G-LBAL) crashed shortly after takeoff from Gillingham, Norfolk, United Kingdom, resulting in the loss of all four passengers.[110]
On 8 August 2016, a Kenyan National Police Airwing AW139 (registration 5Y-NPS) crash-landed in Mathare, Nairobi while performing a routine surveillance operation. All four occupants sustained severe injuries.[111]
On 29 December 2018, an emergency medical services AW139 from the United Arab Emirates clipped the world's longest zip line and subsequently crashed in Jebel Jais, Ras Al Khaimah, UAE, killing all four crew members on board.[112]
On 2 February 2019, an AW139 operated by Caverton Helicopters carrying Nigeria's Vice President Yemi Osinbajo made a crash landing in Kabba, Kogi State. Although no injuries were reported, the timing near the 2019 presidential election led to speculation about potential foul play; however, Caverton attributed the incident to adverse weather conditions.[113]
On 4 July 2019, seven fatalities occurred when AW139 N32CC crashed near a small island in the Bahamas around 2 am. The wreckage was located submerged approximately one mile offshore several hours later. Among those onboard were billionaire coal magnate Chris Cline from Beckley, West Virginia, his daughter Kameron, and five additional passengers en route to Florida due to a medical emergency involving one of them.[114]
On 1 February 2020, an AW139 helicopter operated by Fukushima prefectural police crashed into a rice field in Koriyama, northeast Japan. Seven crew members—including three police officers, two technicians, and two medical personnel—were injured. The helicopter was transporting a heart intended for transplant surgery at the University of Tokyo Hospital; however, the transplant was cancelled as the organ could not be retrieved promptly. At the time of impact, strong wind warnings had been issued for Koriyama by the Fukushima meteorological office. The crash resulted in the detachment of both tail and main rotor blades.[115]
On 23 April 2024, a Royal Malaysian Navy AW139HOM with seven personnel onboard collided mid-air with an RMN Eurocopter Fennec carrying three crew members at the Royal Malaysian Navy base in Lumut, Perak.[116][117] One helicopter’s rotor blades struck those of the other causing both aircraft to go down. The AW139 crashed onto the stadium within the naval base.[118] This accident took place during a training exercise ahead of the navy’s 90th anniversary celebrations. All ten individuals aboard perished.[119][120]
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↑Hoyle, Craig. "PICTURE: Qatar accepts first AW139 military helicopter." Flight International, 25 November 2009.
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↑Peruzzi, Luca. "PICTURES: Italian air force fields first search and rescue HH-139A." Flight International, 12 March 2012.
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↑"AgustaWestland receives orders for 8 more AW139 helicopters." Shephard Media, 9 March 2011.
↑English, Jennifer Leach. "Japan National Police Agency Orders Another AW139." AIN online, 16 April 2014.
↑Leonardo-Finmeccanica and Mitsui Bussan Aerospace celebrate 50th AW139 Helicopter for Japan. leonardo.com, 11 July 2016.
↑Leonardo expands presence of the bestselling AW139 in Japan with first VIP helicopter sale and delivery of additional aircraft. leonardo.com, 8 March 2017.
↑"CHC Helicopter Signs Contract for 10 AW139s." asdnews.com, 10 July 2012.
↑"CHC orders additional Sikorsky S-92 and AgustaWestland AW139 helicopters..." Heli-One, 19 June 2015.
↑Heli-One Approved To Develop AW139 Main Gear Box MRO Capability. heli-one.com, 28 April 2021.
↑Hoyle, Craig. "Thai army to boost AW139 fleet size." Flight International, 12 October 2015.
↑Milestone to deliver three AW139s to Thai Aviation Services. helicopterinvestor.com, 7 September 2021.
↑"All 4 leased AW139 for RMAF by April." New Straits Times, 24 January 2022.
↑"Gulf Helicopters AW139 fleet achieves 50,000 hour milestone." Arabian Aerospace Online News Service, 31 March 2014.
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↑"Weststar Aviation Services Takes Delivery of Its First AW139." AgustaWestland, 2 December 2010.
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↑Malloy, Tomas. "Leonardo Helicopters: Somerset-based firm's deep Russian state ties revealed." somersetlive.co.uk, 4 March 2022.
↑Landini, Francesca. "Italy's Leonardo suspends civil helicopter business in Russia." Reuters, 11 March 2022.
↑Pakistan signs up for more AW139 helos. IHS Jane's 360, 26 May 2016.
↑Francis, Leithen. "China's Shenzhen security bureau orders AW139." flightglobal.com,11 February 2010.
↑Huber, Mark. "Leonardo Logs More Helicopter Sales in China." ainonline.com, 25 July 2022.
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↑"USAF names ballistic missile security helicopter the MH-139A ‘Grey Wolf’." Flight International.,19 December 2019.
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↑Aviation Week article on MH-139 changes.,23 May 2023.
↑"MH-139 Grey Wolf Helicopter Enters Low-Rate Initial Production." European Security & Defence.,14 March 2023.
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