Leonardo AW139
Leonardo · Italy · first flew 2001 · helicopter
The AW139 is a medium twin-engine helicopter that became a market leader for offshore transport, search and rescue and VIP work.
Recognition (WEFT)
| W — Wings | High-mounted, rotary |
|---|---|
| E — Engines | 2 × turboshaft, fuselage-mounted |
| F — Fuselage | 16.66 m fuselage |
| T — Tail | Conventional |
WEFT is AircraftIQ's four-point recognition method — how it works.
Spot it by:
- Sleek medium twin with a five-blade main rotor
- Retractable wheeled undercarriage
- Large windowed cabin for offshore and VIP work
Look for the sleek medium cabin, five-blade rotor and retractable wheels. It is smaller than an S-92 but larger than an H145, with a notably clean fuselage line.
Specifications
- The Leonardo AW139 has a length of 16.66 m (55 ft).
- It has a wingspan of 13.8 m (45 ft).
- Its maximum speed is 306 km/h (190 mph).
- Typical crew: 2 pilots.
Figures are for the representative variant described above; marks differ. See how AircraftIQ sources figures.
History
Originally launched as the AB139 in a brief Agusta-Bell partnership, the design first flew in 2001 and was renamed AW139 after Bell withdrew. It established Leonardo as a major player in the medium-helicopter market.
Variants
Civil offshore, EMS, SAR and VIP configurations dominate, with the militarised AW139M and the related AW169 and AW189 sharing the family look.
Where you'll see it
AW139s fly North Sea oil-and-gas crews from Aberdeen and serve UK search-and-rescue and police operators, sharing offshore work with the larger S-92.
Related aircraft
- Leonardo M-345
- Leonardo AW189
- Leonardo AW169
- Leonardo AW101 Merlin
- AgustaWestland AW139
- Boeing CH-47F Chinook
- Eurocopter EC635
- AgustaWestland CH-149 Cormorant
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