AgustaWestland Poised to Support U.S. Air Force

RESTON, Va., Sept. 19, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- AgustaWestland North America, Inc. proudly enters the Air Force Association's 2011 Air & Space Conference and Technology Exposition firmly committed to the U.S. Air Force with the right helicopters for the mission and the right talent for the job.

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AW139M: More helicopter for the dollar

AgustaWestland customized its multi-role AW139 medium-twin helicopter, creating the advanced military AW139M for the U.S. Air Force's Common Vertical Lift Support Platform (CVLSP). A year ago, the company showcased its AW139M cabin demonstrator at AFA; today the AW139M helicopter stands on display with 100 flight hours on the aircraft. The AW139M reached further milestones in its development, now fully integrated with proven U.S. military technology such as its aircraft survivability equipment.  

"AgustaWestland made the investment to develop this modern, off-the-shelf helicopter for the U.S. CVLSP security mission," said R. Scott Rettig, chief executive officer of AgustaWestland North America. "We believe the AW139M provides the most fiscally responsible option while allowing aircrews to fly faster, farther and safer for the mission."

Manufactured at the company's Philadelphia, Pa. facility, 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 all-weather capabilities for use in challenging environments such as the U.S. Air Force's northern-tier missile bases. For more information about its dedicated equipment, power-to-weight ration and multi-mission performance visit: www.agustawestland.com/aw139m

AgustaWestland Adds to its Expertise

AgustaWestland is pleased to have retired Air Force Col. J.D. Clem join the team focused on U.S. Air Force programs. With 30 years of Air Force experience, Clem served, most recently, as the division chief at SAF/AQ responsible for tactical airlift, special operators and trainers.

"With my Air Force special operations and combat search and rescue experience, I chose to work at AgustaWestland because they have an enormous product range at a great price," said Clem. "The AW139M is the right aircraft for the CVLSP mission and, by far, the most cost effective option for the taxpayers."

AgustaWestland Offers HH-71 for Combat Search and Rescue

AgustaWestland North America responded to the U.S. Air Force's request for information, offering the battle-hardened HH-71 for critical combat search and rescue missions. The HH-71, based on the combat-proven AW101, offers a modern, mature helicopter with all-weather capabilities to complete challenging missions in austere environments such as sand and snow. The aircraft includes three engines providing aircrews the assurance that the mission can be successfully completed with speed, security and safety.

"We want the Air Force to count on AgustaWestland for the best products and best talent in the industry for their rotorcraft needs," said Rettig.  

About AgustaWestland

AgustaWestland North America, a subsidiary of AgustaWestland, a Finmeccanica company, operates as a U.S. company under a special security agreement, responsible for the company's U.S. government programs. AgustaWestland is a global leader in military and commercial vertical-lift. With more than 100 years of experience in the aerospace industry, AgustaWestland provides an unrivaled range of rotorcraft and vertical-lift products and services for every military, government and commercial application.

www.agustawestland.com

Contact:
Ramona Layne
571-332-0695 mobile
[email protected]

SOURCE AgustaWestland North America