The Swedish Maritime Administration is to add seven AW139 intermediate twin helicopters to its fleet providing maritime and aeronautical SAR from five bases across the country.

First delivery of the SAR-equipped aircraft is scheduled for spring 2013, with the final one arriving in 2014.

AgustaWestland md for international business Geoff Hoon says: “We are delighted that the Swedish Maritime Administration has chosen the AW139 following a detailed evaluation process.”

More than 500 AW139s are now in service performing many roles including SAR, air ambulance, offshore transport, vip/corporate flights, law enforcement and military transport missions.

For SAR missions, the aircraft’s long range and all-weather operational capability are key advantages.

The Swedish organisation’s AW139s will come equipped with a unique full ice protection system allowing flights into known icing conditions and enabling all weather operations, when other types might be confined to the hangar.