Japan’s Iwate Prefecture orders AW139 helicopter

Iwate Prefecture AgustaWestland AW139

AgustaWestland and Mitsui Bussan Aerospace has received an order for an AW139 helicopter – to be used for firefighting and disaster relief duties – from Iwate Prefecture, the second largest prefecture of Japan.

The new helicopter replaces an older helicopter the prefecture currently operates. The Aw139 will be delivered in 2016.

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The helicopter can be equipped with a Bambi bucket or belly tank to fight fires, it will also be fitted with a search-light, cargo hook, rescue hoist, loudspeakers and snow skids.