Aircraft overview

The Leonardo Helicopters AW139 is a medium twin engine helicopter developed by AgustaWestland, now Leonardo. It first flew in 2001, entered service in the mid 2000s, and remains in active production. The type was designed for civil and government missions that need more cabin volume, speed and offshore capability than light twins, without moving into the heavier super medium class.

Typical roles include offshore energy transport, emergency medical services, search and rescue, law enforcement, utility work and executive transport. Its importance in the used market comes from a large global fleet, broad mission fit, and continued factory support.

Performance & specifications

The AW139 is powered by two Pratt & Whitney Canada PT6C-67C turboshaft engines driving a five blade main rotor. Published performance depends on weight variant and equipment fit, but typical cruise speed is about 150 to 160 knots, with maximum cruise often cited near 165 knots. Maximum range is commonly published at up to about 570 nautical miles under suitable conditions and configuration.

Maximum takeoff weight varies by aircraft and approval standard, including 14,110 lb, 14,991 lb and 15,432 lb versions. Useful load is therefore configuration dependent, especially for EMS, offshore and VIP interiors. The service ceiling is published at 20,000 feet. Buyers should verify the exact certified weight, mission kit and performance charts for the serial number under review.

Cabin & avionics

The AW139 has a flat floor cabin with large sliding doors and a separate cockpit. Airline style utility layouts commonly seat up to 15 passengers, while executive configurations usually carry fewer passengers with a higher level of interior finish. EMS aircraft may include stretcher systems, medical oxygen, dedicated electrical provisions and specialist cabinetry.

Most AW139 aircraft use a Honeywell Primus Epic integrated avionics suite rather than Garmin Perspective or G1000. Typical equipment includes large multifunction displays, digital engine and systems monitoring, weather radar, GPS navigation and a four axis digital autopilot. Later aircraft and upgraded examples may include enhanced situational awareness, HTAWS, synthetic vision, ADS-B Out and mission specific search and rescue avionics.

Buying & value

Used AW139 values are strongly influenced by total time, engine and gearbox status, weight upgrade, avionics phase, mission history and interior standard. Offshore aircraft may have high cycles but strong maintenance tracking, while VIP examples may have lower utilization and more expensive cabin finishes. EMS and SAR aircraft should be evaluated for equipment condition, wiring changes and reconfiguration cost.

Common buyer considerations include 6,800 kg or 7,000 kg gross weight approvals, Primus Epic software level, autopilot options, flotation gear, hoist provisions, auxiliary fuel, air conditioning and compliance with current navigation mandates. In the used market, the AW139 typically sits above light twins and below larger super medium helicopters, offering a cabin and performance profile suited to operators that need multi role capability with an established support ecosystem.