Photo: Defence Connect

The Australian Defence Force (ADF) will soon be supported by two new AW139 intermediate twin-engine helicopters operated by Brisbane company Toll Helicopters.

The pair of advanced rotorcraft will be added to the existing fleet of 10 AW139 helicopters and be used to support ADF exercises, emergency response and disaster relief missions, after it was announced at the Avalon International Airshow in Victoria on 1 March.

The helicopters will be delivered from Leonardo’s Vergiate final assembly line facility in Italy later this year. The helicopters will be delivered to two programs: the Crash Response Helicopter Service for the first Aviation Regiment in Darwin and the Army Commercial Helicopter program based out of the fifth Aviation Regiment in Townsville.

The aircraft features a searchlight, hoist, cargo hook, and electro-optic and infrared equipment. They have traditionally been used for law enforcement, patrol and surveillance, and maritime search and rescue missions.
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