AW139M

Description: The AW139M is a militarized version of the AW139 commercial helicopter incorporating proven United States (US) military technology for the US Air Force's Common Vertical Lift Support Program (CVLSP). AgustaWestland unveiled the new AW139 multi-mission helicopter variant during the AFA Air Warfare Symposium in the United States of America in February 2011. The aircraft will be manufactured in the company's Philadelphia facility and tailored with US military technology from local suppliers. The AW139M provides 30 percent more cabin volume and 50 percent more payload than the legacy CVLSP platform, while maintaining a similarly-sized external footprint.

The AW139M includes a high-definition FLIR, self protection equipment including infrared detection and countermeasures, avionics and heavy duty landing gear. For military missions, the AW139M features a low thermal and acoustic signature and is available with a full ice protection system, allowing all-weather operation at the US Air Force's northern-tier missile bases. Besides, it is well suited for operations in hot and high conditions. The aircraft also includes dedicated equipment such as armored seats to improve crew protection; ballistically-tolerant, self-sealing fuel tanks; and an external stores system for carrying gun pods, missiles and air-to-ground rockets.