The New Jersey State Police has taken delivery of a fifth AgustaWestland AW139 helicopter, completing the replacement of the agency's helicopter fleet.
The aircraft were produced at AgustaWestland's Philadelphia production facility.
The AW139 is a twin-engined, 15-seat medium size helicopter with a five-bladed rotor and tricycle landing gear. It's suited for homeland security and search-and-rescue missions.
The helicopter can reach a maximum cruise speed of 167 knots and exceeds the latest FAR 29 certification standards for safety, according to the company.
"These helicopters enhance our response capabilities in tactical and search and rescue operations," said Major Brian McPherson, commanding officer of the state police's Special Operations Section. "Our members can reach areas that are otherwise inaccessible, such as mountainside locations or disabled ships on the water. The AW139 allows us to extract victims and provide immediate medevac to area hospitals, which will save lives."
Other agencies who use the helicopters include the U.S. Customs and Border Protection and Los Angeles Fire Department. The Maryland State Police's Aviation Command unit has ordered several AW139s that will be delivered in the second half of 2012.
The AW139 has been in service since 2004. The company has sold more than 640 to 170 customers.
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