Miami-Dade Fire Rescue (MDFR) signed a contract for four Leonardo AW139 intermediate twin-engine helicopters to be used for fire suppression, emergency medical services (EMS), and search and rescue (SAR). The helicopters will be equipped with a cargo hook, rescue hoist, and Bambi bucket, and will be covered by a comprehensive five-year support, maintenance, and training package with the possibility of a further extension to a total of 15 years.
First delivery is expected from Leonardo’s Philadelphia facility in the third quarter of 2020. Miami-Dade County Mayor Carlos Gimenez said the purchase price along with Leonardo-provided training and support services factored into the decision to acquire the AW139s.
Miami-Dade is the most populous county in Florida and encompasses more than 2,000 square miles. One-third of the county is located in Everglades National Park. Because of the scope of its operations, MDFR is frequently requested to provide mutual aid support to neighboring counties, including Monroe, Collier, Broward, and Lee.
More than 1,000 AW139s have been delivered worldwide. U.S. parapublic customers also include the Los Angeles Fire Department and state police in Maryland and New Jersey. In partnership with Boeing, Leonardo is in the process of providing 84 specially-modified AW139s, designation MH-139, to the U.S. Air Force for security operations.