AW139 Helicopter: Specs, Range, Cabin & History | ICCJET

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Aircraft encyclopedia · Leonardo

AgustaWestland AW139: Specifications and History

The AW139 is an intermediate twin-engine helicopter designed by Agusta and Bell as the AB139. AgustaWestland bought out Bell's share in 2005, and today it is built as the Leonardo AW139.

The first aircraft flew on 3 February 2001 at Vergiate in Italy. It was certified by the JAA in June 2003 and by the FAA in December 2004. More than 1,200 have been built (July 2024).

15
Passengers, max
573 nm
Range
165 kn
Cruise
20,000 ft
Service ceiling
1,200+
Built

At a glance

AW139 at a glance

Class Intermediate twin-engine helicopter
Best for Offshore, SAR, EMS, VIP and corporate missions
Passengers up to 15, depending on configuration
Crew 1 or 2 pilots
Engines 2 x Pratt & Whitney Canada PT6C-67C
Compare with Bell 429

Size

Dimensions

Length 16.66 m (54 ft 8 in)
Height 4.98 m (16 ft 4 in)
Main rotor diameter 13.80 m (45 ft 3 in)

Range and speed

Performance

Maximum speed 310 km/h (167 kn)
Cruise speed 306 km/h (165 kn)
Range 1,061 km (573 nm)
Endurance 5 h 13 min
Service ceiling 6,096 m (20,000 ft)
Rate of climb 10.9 m/s (2,140 ft/min)

Weights

Weights

Maximum gross weight 6,400 kg (14,110 lb) standard
Increased weight versions 6,800 kg (certification sought in 2008) and 7,000 kg (unveiled in 2015)
Fuel capacity 1,568 L (414 US gal)

Equipment

Equipment and main systems

What is installed on the AW139, which versions exist and how the programme is built.

Engines

On the AW139
2 x Pratt & Whitney Canada PT6C-67C turboshafts, 1,142 kW (1,531 hp) each, with FADEC
Family
The PT6C is the helicopter turboshaft branch of the Pratt & Whitney Canada PT6 family

Avionics

Flight deck
Honeywell Primus Epic modular avionics with four LCD screens
Autopilot
Four-axis autopilot on most aircraft, with auto-hover and single-pilot IFR capability

Production

Airframes
Most airframes are built by PZL-Świdnik
Final assembly
Vergiate (Italy) and Philadelphia (United States)

Versions

AB139
The original designation, 54 built
Military and government
AW139M, HH-139A for Italian search and rescue, MH-139 Grey Wolf for the US Air Force
Larger derivative
AW149

Equipment varies by serial number, role kit and later modifications. ICCJET checks the actual configuration of each helicopter.

The cabin

The cabin takes up to 15 passengers in a high-density layout. VIP and corporate interiors seat fewer, with more space; EMS, SAR and offshore interiors are fitted for their roles.

History

History and production

Designed as AB139, by Agusta and Bell
First flight 3 February 2001, Vergiate
First production aircraft flight 24 June 2002
JAA certification June 2003
FAA type certificate December 2004
Bell share bought out 2005, by AgustaWestland
Built more than 1,200 (July 2024)

FAQ

Leonardo AW139: questions

How many passengers can an AW139 carry?

Up to 15, depending on configuration.

What is the range of the AW139?

1,061 km (573 nm).

What engines does the AW139 use?

Two Pratt & Whitney Canada PT6C-67C turboshafts of 1,531 hp each.

Who makes the AW139?

Leonardo, formerly AgustaWestland. It was designed by Agusta and Bell as the AB139.

How many AW139s have been built?

More than 1,200 (July 2024).

Charter

Charter with ICCJET

Need the cabin before you buy one? ICCJET arranges charter of business jets, group airliners and cargo aircraft.

Istanbul

AirportsIST · SAW · ISL

Kazakhstan

AirportsALA · NQZ · CIT · GUW

International

DeparturesWorldwide on request

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Specifications are published reference figures. Individual aircraft vary by configuration and modifications. Page checked 16 October 2026.