Leonardo strengthens safety and rescue capacity in Brazil with six AW119Kx helicopters for Polícia Rodoviária Federal
Leonardo announced today that Brazil's Polícia Rodoviária Federal (PRF) - the Federal Traffic Police - will bring six AW119Kx single-engine helicopters into service. The arrival in Brazil of the first of the six machines is expected for the beginning of next year while the delivery of the remaining helicopters will be completed by mid-2021. The AW119Kx will be used by the Air Operations Division (DOA) - the aircraft department - from its headquarters, located in the five regions of Brazil, for a wide range of missions including passenger transport, rescue, helicopter rescue, firefighting, surveillance and public order.
The choice of the AW119Kx by the PRF was made following a rigorous verification of the technical capabilities necessary to meet the needs of the government agency. The delivery will further increase the fleet of Leonardo helicopters used throughout Brazil by operators performing safety, rescue and public utility tasks. This fleet already includes the single-engine AW119, in addition to the twin-engine models AW109 and AW139. The helicopters will be equipped with an advanced customized configuration that includes, among other things, Garmin G1000NXi digital avionics, electro-optical system, recovery winch, center of gravity hook, bucket for transporting water to fight fires, system for rapid descent of special forces personnel, advanced communication systems.
To date, there are more than 190 Leonardo helicopters of various models in service in Brazil to carry out a wide range of missions: private / corporate transport, security, public utility services, offshore transport and naval uses. Leonardo's products record growing successes in Brazil and the company is committed to further strengthening the level of service in the country with the creation of a new regional support center, managed by Leonardo do Brasil, in Itapevi, 30 km from San Paul. The start of its construction was presented with an official ceremony in February. The new support center will enhance the services already provided by the existing structure which is currently based in Sao Paulo.
Leonardo is committed to supporting and protecting people and communities around the world, contributing to their sustainable growth, thanks to leadership in next generation technologies. Collaboration with governments, individuals and in the industrial sector, aimed at offering the best security capabilities, is one of the foundations of the “Be Tomorrow - Leonardo 2030” Strategic Plan.
DEEPENING
The AW119 is the best single-engine helicopter in its category, equipped with state-of-the-art avionics capable of allowing the crew to maintain full control of the operational situation at every stage of the mission and ensure maximum effectiveness and safety. The AW119Kx features a spacious cabin that can accommodate up to six passengers and redundancy of all critical systems normally available on twin-engine helicopters, ensuring exceptional reliability and safety. The AW119 is ideal for a variety of tasks including helicopter rescue, utilities, fire fighting, law enforcement, passenger transport, training and government / military duties. Over 350 AW119 helicopters have been sold to more than 130 customers in 40 countries. Multiple government agencies and armed forces around the world have chosen or are already using the AW119 in countries such as Brazil, USA, Chile, Mexico, Ecuador, Portugal, Finland, Latvia to name a few. A variant of the AW119 was selected by the United States Navy in January 2020 to train the country's next generation of naval pilots.