Leonardo HH-139B

The Leonardo AW139 is a 15-seat medium helicopter which first flew in 2001. The AW139 has found success as a corporate transport helicopter and began operational use in 2003. The type has also gained a strong military reputation and has been ordered by a number of air forces including the Irish Air Corps. Boeing also build a version of the AW139 under licence called the MH-139A Grey Wolf which has replaced the UH-1N in US Air Force service as a security patrol helicopter for nuclear missile launch facilities.

The Italian Air Force operate three versions of the AW139. The HH-139A and HH-139B are specialised variants of the militarised AW139M, both of which are used for Search and Rescue, the HH-139B model is also configured to undertake Combat Search and Rescue behind enemy lines. The third version is a pair of VH-139A which the Italian Air Force use as VIP transports.

We are pleased to announce that the Italian Air Force are providing one of their HH-139B Search and Rescue helicopters for RIAT25 as part our ‘Eyes in the Skies’ theme. The helicopter is being provided by 15° Stormo who are based throughout Italy.

Photo Credit: Aviation Photocrew