New Finmeccanica helicopter for AFM

The Armed Forces of Malta (AFM) will, in the near future, acquire a new twin-engine helicopter following a contract signed with AgustaWestland owned by Italian conglomerate Finmeccanica.

The contract, including one AW139 helicopter, Special Tools, Ground Support Equipment and Common Aviation Equipment, and training for pilots and technicians is worth €20,420,726 and is co-financed by the European External Borders Fund (EBF).

The AW139, an intermediate class helicopter will amongst other perform border control tasks and SAR missions. The contract also includes a training package for pilots and technicians. The helicopter will be delivered by June 2014.

Earlier this year, the Italian defence and industrial group were investigated by Indian police for alleged corruption over a €560m contract to sell helicopters to the Indian air force.

This month, Italy's former police chief Giovanni De Gennaro  was appointed as chairman of the biggest Italian defense company,  succeeding Giuseppe Orsi, who quit on 15 February after being arrested over bribery allegations.

Orsi, who was also chief executive officer, lost his job following the bribery probe over the sale of AgustaWestland AW101 helicopters to India that prompted Finmeccanica to delay 2012 results which eventually showed a €828 million loss.

The new AFM helicopter will be equipped with a package to cater for diverse operations. 

The package includes a high-definition FLIR system, search/weather radar, cabin mission console, naval transponder, search light, satellite communication system, a 4-axis autopilot with SAR modes, external rescue hoist and four bag floatation system.

The AFM said that the state of the art intermediate twin-engine helicopter features the largest cabin in its category for greater mission flexibility.

The AW139 has a maximum speed of 193 mph, a range of almost 600 miles, and service ceiling of 20,000 feet.  This will enhance the AFM's capability to operate out at sea for an extended duration and at a greater distance than what is currently possible.