What Is the AW139? Leonardo’s Best-Selling Medium-Class Helicopter
The AW139 is Leonardo’s twin-engine medium-class helicopter and one of the company’s best-sellers. From military transport and police work to air ambulance and offshore oil-platform shuttling, it has become a global standard across more than 70 nations.
Product Identity
| Manufacturer | Leonardo Helicopters |
| Type | Twin-engine medium-class multi-role helicopter |
| Origin | Italy |
| First flight | 2001 |
| In service | 2003 |
| Production | Active (1,100+ delivered) |
What the AW139 Is
With a roomy cabin, powerful twin engines and modern avionics, the AW139 is a reference point in the medium helicopter market. Its ability to adapt to many roles on a single platform — for both civil and military users — has made it one of the most widely chosen helicopters worldwide. High speed, generous range and low vibration stand out for both passenger comfort and operational efficiency.
Technical Specifications
| Feature | Value |
|---|---|
| Engines | 2 × Pratt & Whitney Canada PT6C-67C |
| Max take-off weight | ~7,000 kg |
| Max speed | ~310 km/h |
| Range | ~1,060 km |
| Capacity | 15 passengers |
| Crew | 1-2 pilots |
Mission Profiles
The AW139 performs troop and personnel transport, search-and-rescue, air ambulance (HEMS), police and border security, offshore oil/gas platform shuttling, firefighting and VIP transport. Its military variants can be fitted with weapons and sensor packages, making it an attractive multi-role solution for both civil and defence operators.
Leonardo’s Role
The AW139 is a platform Leonardo designs and builds as prime contractor, on production lines in both Italy and the U.S. It sits at the centre of the shared cabin/avionics philosophy of the “AW Family” alongside the AW169 and AW189 — commonality that gives operators fleet-wide training and maintenance ease.
Operators
| Region / Country | Status |
|---|---|
| Italy | Military / civil |
| UAE, Qatar | Military / VIP |
| Ireland | Air corps |
| United States | Civil / public service |
| 70+ nations | Civil and military operators |
Competing Systems
| System | Maker | Country | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| H145 / H160 | Airbus Helicopters | Europe | Main European rival |
| Bell 412 / 429 | Bell | USA/Canada | North American equivalent |
| GÖKBEY (T625) | Turkish Aerospace | Turkey | Indigenous Turkish equivalent |
Turkey Relationship
The AW139 is operated by various public and commercial users in Turkey. At the same time, Turkey is increasingly meeting needs in this class with the indigenous T625 GÖKBEY. Although the GÖKBEY sits in a slightly lighter class than the AW139, it stands out as Turkey’s domestic alternative for military and civil multi-role missions. The AW139 and GÖKBEY are therefore seen in an indirect competitive relationship, particularly in the renewal of public helicopter fleets.
Strengths and Weaknesses
Strengths: an exceptionally broad user base, multi-role flexibility, strong performance and a wide maintenance/support network. Weaknesses: intense competition, military variants unsuited to heavy attack roles, and indigenous alternatives (like the GÖKBEY) gaining ground in national markets.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many passengers does the AW139 carry?
Depending on configuration, it typically carries up to 15 passengers.
Is the AW139 a military helicopter?
It is used both civilly and militarily; military variants can be fitted with weapons and sensor packages.
What is the difference between the AW139 and the GÖKBEY?
The GÖKBEY is Turkish Aerospace’s indigenous helicopter in a slightly lighter class, while the AW139 is a more mature, globally widespread platform.
Sources
Leonardo Helicopters official product pages; operator air forces; Janes, Vertical Mag, FlightGlobal (2024-2026).
