Aircraft

AgustaWestland has received a contract worth more than €260 million ($410 million) to supply Qatar with 18 AW139 utility helicopters.

To be operated by the Qatar Emiri air force, the medium twins will be used for roles including troop transport, search and rescue and border patrol, and to support special forces activities, says AgustaWestland.

© AgustaWestland

Announced on 21 July, the deal also includes the provision of crew training services and an initial package of support, says the European manufacturer.

Previously ordered for military use by the Irish Air Corps (pictured below) and the United Arab Emirates air force, the AW139 has a maximum take-off weight of 6.4t, a range of up to 1,060km (570nm) and can carry up to 15 troops.

© AgustaWestland

Qatar's current air force inventory includes nine Aerospatiale SA342 Gazelle observation helicopters and 12 Westland Sea King transports, according to Flight's HeliCAS database.