Miami-Dade Fire Rescue (MDFR) has signed a contract for four AW139 intermediate twin-engine helicopters.

Leonardo has revealed that the aircraft will be used to perform a range of missions, primarily fire suppression, emergency medical services (EMS) and search-and-rescue (SAR). The aircraft will also have special equipment including a cargo hook, rescue hoist and Bambi Bucket.

The first helicopter is expected to be delivered from Leonardo’s Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, facility in Q3, 2020. A comprehensive five-year support, maintenance and training package will be provided with the possibility of a further extension to a total of 15 years.

Carlos A. Gimenez, Miami-Dade County Mayor, commented: “The safety of our Miami-Dade Fire Rescue operations team and the well-being of the residents we serve is our greatest priority. For those reasons, the crashworthiness standards of the top-ranked Leonardo helicopters were a key factor in our county’s decision to award this contract. In addition, the purchase price, training services and support we will receive during the transition to these world-class aircraft were also strong considerations.”

The AW139 is used across many countries worldwide for firefighting, rescue and law enforcement duties including Italy, the U.K, Japan, South Korea and Australia, to name a few. Celebrating its 1,000th delivery in September, the AW139 is the most successful global helicopter program in the last 15 years. With more than 280 operators in over 70 countries to date, the AW139 “saves lives every day and guarantees safety in every corner of the world”.