The maximum takeoff weight of the twin-engine medium will soon be increased at 7 tons. The new variant will be unveiled at HAI Heli Expo 2015

AgustaWestland is working on an AW139 helicopter of a maximum takeoff weight of 7,000 kg. Helipress has acknowledged that the Anglo Italian manufacturer is developing a new variant of the popular aircraft of the "AgustaWestland Family". The current version is certified for a maximum takeoff weight of 6,400 kg and 6,800 kg (with optional kit). On the horizon there is a new "Super" AW139: the update will include changes in the design of the tail section.

7 TONS AW139 AT HAI HELI EXPO 2015

CEO Daniele Romiti, earlier this week, spoke without going into the details of a new update for the helicopter. As acknowledged by Helipress, the 7 tons AW139 will be presented at the next HAI Heli Expo, held in Orlando (Florida) in March 2015.

At the moment it is not yet available timing on the timing of introduction, AgustaWestland has continued to reiterate that they are working on new features to increase AW139 performance. The introduction would produce a gap in the serial numbering patterns: the assembly line of Vergiate is currently working on MSN 31570 helicopter and will jump directly to the number 31701 for the new model. The US factory is currently producing MSN 31395: the numbering of the super AW139 would then climb in the US made AW139s directly to number 41501.

AW139 TONS OF 7: HUNTING FOR THE EC175

With the new "diet", the AW139 will actually compete directly with the Airbus Helicopters EC175, inserting more effectively in the oil and gas segment. It is a change of strategic relevance for AgustaWestland, which will offer off shore customers (but not only) two products, counting the AW189, also focusing on the immediate availability of the machines, which, unlike the EC175 are already widely in service. The AW139 has recently passed the milestone of 700 deliveries, while the AW189 seems already well under way to commercial success.