Brazil’s Polícia Rodoviária Federal (PRF) has ordered six AW119Kx turbine single-engine helicopters. Deliveries will begin early next year.
The AW119Kxs will be operated by the Air Operations Division (DOA) from its regional bases to perform a range of missions including transport, rescue, emergency medical service, firefighting, surveillance, and law enforcement. Each helicopter will be equipped with the Garmin G1000NXi avionics suite, an infrared-capable electro-optics system, rescue hoist, cargo hook, Bambi Bucket, rappelling kit, and advanced communication systems.
Law enforcement, rescue, and public service customers across Brazil already operate Leonardo AW119, AW109, and AW139 models. More than 350 AW119 helicopters have been ordered by over 130 customers in 40 countries including Brazil, the U.S., Chile, Mexico, Ecuador, Portugal, Finland, and Latvia, and they fly for law enforcement, public service agencies, and armed forces around the world.
More than 190 Leonardo helicopters are currently operated in Brazil. To further support this fleet, earlier this year Leonardo broke ground for construction of a new regional service center in Itapvi, just outside São Paulo, where the company currently operates a service center.