Leonardo sells three AW169s to STAR Flight

Leonardo AW169

Leonardo has signed a contract for three AW169 helicopters for its STAR Flight programme in Travis County, Texas, as the county-based EMS upgrades its fleet. The announcement was made during the Air Medical Transport Conference in Fort Worth.

Travis County will be the launch customer of the EMS-configured AW169 in the US, with deliveries expected to begin in October 2018.

In addition to EMS operations, the AW169 will support Travis County’s search and rescue, law enforcement support, and fire suppression efforts in the area surrounding Austin. The three AW169s will allow STAR Flight to grow its operational capabilities, including the ability to transport patients longer distances and increased capabilities for search and rescue, as well as responsiveness to wildfires.

The helicopters will be configured with a multi-purpose interior with specialised EMS equipment and stretchers that can be reconfigured to incorporate search and rescue and firefighting kits. Additionally, Travis County’s AW169s will be equipped with a hoist and a 300-gallon Simplex belly tank.