UAE JAC Commits to AW609

摘要

AgustaWestland secured a contract for three AW609 TiltRotors from the United Arab Emirates Joint Aviation Command (JAC) in Dubai. The deal, which includes options for three more, is for the search and rescue (SAR) variant, making the JAC the launch customer for that model. Deliveries to the JAC are expected to begin from 2019 and will feature a tailored equipment configuration to meet JAC's specific operational requirements. An official from JAC said: "The AW609's unique speed and range characteristics, combined with its ability to hover, will dramatically increase SAR mission capabilities of the UAE's Joint Aviation Command. We look forward to operating the AW609 TiltRotor and utilising the speed advantage it brings." The JAC currently operates 11 AW139 helicopters for a range of missions, including SAR. The AW609 will further expand JAC's operational capabilities, making full use of the 275kts (510km/h) maximum speed and 750nm (1,388km) range of the type.