AgustaWestland North America has been awarded a contract under the US foreign military sales programme to provide two AW139 advanced rotorcraft to the Egyptian Air Force.

Under the $37.8m contract, AgustaWestland will configure the two aircraft to perform search and rescue missions and provide a spare parts package for successful handling of the aircraft.

The medium-twin engine AW139 has been designed with inherent multirole capability and flexibility of operation. It can perform in hot and high conditions and has a cruise speed of 165kt.

The aircraft features a low acoustic signature, integrated mission avionics and a full ice protection system to accomplish missions in demanding, all-weather conditions.

About 530 AW139s have been delivered to customers that include the US Department of Homeland Security, Ireland and the UAE Air Force.