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Brazil acquires six AW119K single engine helicopters

Polícia Rodoviária Federal of Brazil will introduce into service six Leonardo AW119Kx single engine helicopters. The first aircraft is expected to be introduced in Brazil beginning next year, with the delivery of the remainder helicopters to the operator planned for completion by mid-2021.

The AW119Kx helicopters will be operated by the Air Operations Division (DOA) from bases in five regions of Brazil to perform a range of missions, including transport, rescue, emergency medical service, firefighting, surveillance and law enforcement.

The handover of the AW119Kx helicopters to Polícia Rodoviária Federal (PRF) will expand the fleet of Leonardo helicopters used by law enforcement, rescue, and public service operators across Brazil, which already includes the AW119 single-engine type in addition to the AW109 light twin and AW139 intermediate twin models.

PRF’s helicopters will feature a customized configuration including, among other advances, a Garmin G1000NXi glass cockpit, an infrared capable electro-optics system, rescue hoist, cargo hook, bambi bucket to counter fires, rappelling kit on both sides for special forces operations, and advanced communication systems.

To date there are more than 190 Leonardo helicopters of various types operating in Brazil performing many roles including: corporate/private transport, law enforcement, public services, offshore transport, and naval applications.

Leonardo is committed to further strengthening its existing level of localized services with the establishment of a new regional support centre. It will be run by Leonardo do Brasil, in Itapevi. The new support centre will expand the services already provided by the existing facility headquartered in São Paulo.