CHC Helicopter has completed the rollout of six new-generation Leonardo AW139s to replace the S-76 SAR fleet flying for the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF). The final AW139 will be on base in East Sale by mid-March after the first aircraft was introduced in Victoria a little more than a year ago.
The SAR-configured AW139s are equipped with four-axis auto hover, allowing them to hover over water at night, and white phosphorus night-vision technology, which offers greater range and vision clarity than comparable technologies. CHC Helicopter operates and provides its services to the Royal Australian Air Force, Navy, and Army. The new AW139s will be in addition to the current AW139 that has served the Australian Navy since May 2017. That aircraft is outfitted with night-vision goggles and four-axis hover capabilities.
“We’re delighted to be able to upgrade our SAR fleet for the Royal Australia Air Force,” said Vincent D’Rozario, CHC’s regional director for Asia-Pacific. “CHC Helicopter has worked closely with the RAAF for almost 30 years, and it is a pleasure to provide a more capable, new-generation aircraft. We know these aircraft will prove invaluable support during training exercises.”