An AW139 medium twin is to provide air surveillance on the outer EU borders, the Bulgarian Border Police says. "The AW139 will enable us to provide a greatly enhanced aerial policing service in the country as well as a comprehensive SAR capability over the sea and in mountainous areas," it reports. "It can be quickly deployed to any crime scene or accident location on land or sea."

The AW139, it adds, will feature an advanced range of mission equipment including an EGPWS and TCAS. It will also include a moving map, weather/search radar, cargo hook, emergency floats, rescue hoist, external loudspeaker, searching light, NVG-compatible cockpit, FLIR, video downlink and mission console.

"The AW139's large cabin and sliding doors enable easy and quick access and fast roping," Bulgarian police say. "The cabin also allows easy configuration changes to meet operational requirements."