Leonardo: first American success for the AW169 rescue helicopter Three AW169 helicopters ordered in the USA by the Texas County of Travis for its STAR Flight emergency support program

Rescue, public order and fire prevention among the tasks planned for the three helicopters  The success of the AW169 on the world market is growing, also for public utility tasks, with over 160 units ordered by 70 customers in 30 countries Rome, 16 October 2017 - Leonardo today announced at the Air Medical Transport Conference (AMTC, Fort Worth, Texas October 16-18) that Travis County, Texas has signed a contract for three AgustaWestland AW169 helicopters. The order is part of the STAR Flight Emergency and Rescue Support Program, through which the County aims to acquire more modern products to increase the operational capabilities of its fleet. Travis County becomes the US launch customer for the AW169 in air ambulance configuration, with deliveries expected in October 2018. In addition to transporting patients to hospitals, the AW169s will also carry out search and rescue missions. public order and fire prevention in the Austin, Texas area. Thanks to the three helicopters, the STAR Flight program will benefit from an increase in its intervention capacities, for example by covering greater distances for the transport of patients or by intervening more quickly in the fight against fires.
The configuration of the helicopters includes dedicated medical equipment and the versatility necessary to carry out, if necessary, search and rescue and firefighting tasks. In fact, among the systems envisaged, there is also a recovery winch for rescue and a ventral tank for transporting water for firefighting missions.
The contract expands the worldwide success achieved in a few years by the AW169, and also obtained with the adoption of the new model by various customers operating in the field of emergencies. In the USA, the AW169 is already present and has been chosen by other operators for VIP / Corporate transport. Today, over 160 helicopters of this type have been ordered by around 70 customers in 30 countries.