Agusta Westland AW139

Qatar has signed a follow-on order with AgustaWestland for a further three [Vous devez être inscrit et connecté pour voir ce lien] medium twin helicopters for its air force, with the deal also including a comprehensive package of logistics support.

To be configured for emergency medical services duties, the new batch will join another 18 of the multi-role aircraft which are currently being delivered to Qatar under a deal signed with the European company in 2008.

Nine aircraft from the original order have been handed over since November 2009, says [Vous devez être inscrit et connecté pour voir ce lien], with AgustaWestland expecting to deliver the rest by early 2012.

Qatar’s AW139s are powered by Pratt & Whitney Canada PT6C-67C engines, with the aircraft offering a maximum cruise speed of 165kt (306km/h). Other military customers for the type include Ireland, Nigeria, Panama, Trinidad & Tobago and the United Arab Emirates, HeliCAS says.