Leonardo has received an order fromambulance operator Use Life Link III for an AW119 helicopter with American FAA IFR certification (Federal Aviation Administration, Instrument Flight Rules).
The contract includes the option to purchase a second unit in the future. Life Link III operates eight helicopter bases that include Alexandria, Blaine, Brainerd, Duluth, Hibbing and Willmar, Minnesota, and Marshfield and Rice Lake, Wisconsin and the new aircraft will join the existing fleet of ten AW119Kx used for medical transport of emergency in Minnesota and Wisconsin. Delivery is scheduled for the third quarter of 2021.
“The contract – explains Leonardo in a note – scores the first sale of an AW119, with FAA-issued IFR certification, in the civilian market and Emergency Medical Service (EMS) duties”
The helicopter meets all IFR standards, allowing pilots to fly safely even in poor visibility and difficult weather conditions, thanks to advanced avionics from Genesys Aerosystems and the redundancy of the main flight systems.
Steve Sterner, Chief Executive Officer of Life Link III, said: “Our decision to become the first civilian operator of the IFR certified AW119 is fully consistent with our mission to provide a safe and effective EMS service. This helicopter's advanced avionics and technology enhance our ability to provide those in need with much-needed healthcare.
"William Hunt, managing director of Leonardo Helicopters in Philadelphia, commented: “We are proud to introduce the IFR-certified variant of the AW119 to the civilian market and to be able to do so with such an important partner as Life Link III. Its advanced technology and flight systems allow rescuers to fly safely in complex situations, while maintaining the large and versatile cabin that distinguishes the AW119 for EMS missions”.
