The AW139 Leonardo Helicopter

9 min read
Written by Carl Jansen for First Edition
For those passionate about luxury flying machines, the AW139 Leonardo helicopter stands out. This review delves into its features, performance, and user experience to help you understand why this chopper is much admired.

Overview of the AW139 Leonardo

The AW139 Leonardo is a versatile and luxurious helicopter that has captured the attention of aviation fans and professionals alike. This helicopter, built by Leonardo S.p.A., combines performance, technology, and comfort seamlessly. Known for its adaptability, the AW139 serves many roles, from executive transport to emergency medical services, showing its reliability and efficiency in tough situations.
The AW139's standout feature is its impressive speed and range. Powered by two Pratt & Whitney Canada PT6C-67C turboshaft engines, the helicopter can reach cruising speeds of over 165 knots and cover distances of up to 573 miles. This allows it to perform well in a variety of missions, ranging from corporate travels to long-distance rescues.
Inside, the AW139 does not compromise on luxury. The cabin is designed to provide maximum comfort, with customizable interiors that cater to both practicality and style. Large windows not only increase the sense of space but also offer stunning views, enhancing the overall flying experience.
For pilots, the AW139 is a joy to fly, thanks to its advanced avionics. It is equipped with the latest systems, including navigation tools, weather radar, and autopilot capabilities. These features ensure safe and efficient flights, making short work of even the most challenging conditions.
Safety remains a key aspect of the AW139. The helicopter includes several critical features, such as a fully redundant flight control system, emergency flotation systems, and crashworthy seats. These enhancements provide confidence to both pilots and passengers, knowing that the aircraft is built to maintain top levels of safety and reliability.
The AW139 Leonardo is a complete solution for those who seek performance, comfort, and safety in one premium package. Whether you are an executive seeking a fast and stylish mode of travel, or a first responder needing a reliable transport solution, the AW139 is designed to exceed expectations. Its resilience and adaptability make it a standout in the world of rotary-wing aircraft.

Design and Comfort

The AW139 Leonardo helicopter stands out for its performance, design, and comfort. When you step inside, you see the attention to detail in every part of the interior. The cabin is roomy and filled with natural light, thanks to the large windows. This design feature creates a sense of openness and allows passengers to enjoy stunning views during their flight, making the travel experience better. The large windows are especially good for scenic flights, offering a great view of the landscapes below.
The seating in the AW139 is highly customizable, catering to both comfort and function. Depending on the needs of the passengers, the helicopter can be fitted with soft leather seats, ensuring a smooth and comfortable ride. The seats are designed to reduce fatigue, making even long flights enjoyable. Executives and VIPs will appreciate the luxury of the seats, which adds a touch of class to the journey. Furthermore, the seats can be arranged in various ways, whether for an important business meeting or a more casual setting, making the AW139 versatile for different uses.
In addition to comfort, the AW139 focuses on convenience. The helicopter is equipped with modern features to ensure that passengers have everything they need at their fingertips. These features can include climate control systems to maintain a pleasant temperature, advanced in-flight entertainment systems to keep passengers engaged, and noise-cancellation technology to ensure a quiet and peaceful journey. These features are particularly appealing for individuals who want to make the most out of their travel time, turning flights into productive sessions or peaceful retreats.
The interior of the AW139 can also be tailored to suit the specific tastes of its owners. Leonardo offers various customization options, allowing buyers to choose from a range of materials, colors, and finishes. This level of personalization ensures that the helicopter not only meets functional needs but also aligns with the personal style and preferences of the owner. Whether you prefer a simple design with neutral tones or a more rich interior with fine fabrics and wood finishes, the AW139 can be crafted to match your vision.
For those who need to transport equipment or special cargo, the cabin can be easily reconfigured. The flexible interior design allows space optimization without sacrificing comfort. This adaptability makes the AW139 suitable for a wide range of missions, from executive transport to medevac services. The helicopter truly excels in combining luxury with practicality, making it a top choice for those who demand the best in both worlds.

Technological Marvel

The AW139 Leonardo is a true marvel of technology. At its core, this impressive helicopter has a smart avionics suite that sets a new industry standard. The cockpit is filled with modern tech that ensures both the pilot and passengers have a safe, efficient, and comfortable flight.
One of the key features is the advanced navigation system. The AW139 has the latest satellite navigation and weather radar systems, allowing it to fly in many different environments with ease. This tech not only makes for a smoother flight but also improves the helicopter's performance in bad weather. The autopilot feature reduces the workload on pilots during long trips, offering stability and precision, especially during complex maneuvers.
The cockpit of the AW139 is designed with comfort in mind, creating a user-friendly space where pilots can focus on flying. Large, clear displays show key flight information at a glance, reducing the need for constant manual adjustments. This helps pilots maintain a high level of awareness, which is crucial for both routine flights and emergencies. The simple layout of the controls means that both experienced pilots and new ones can quickly get used to the helicopter's systems.
The avionics are not just about navigation and control; they also include advanced communication systems. These tools ensure that pilots can stay in touch with ground control, other aircraft, and emergency services as needed. This level of connectivity boosts the safety of all missions, from routine travel to life-saving rescue operations.
Another key feature of the AW139's tech is its health and usage monitoring system (HUMS). This system constantly checks the status of various parts, providing real-time data on the helicopter's condition. With HUMS, maintenance can be planned ahead of time, fixing any potential issues before they become serious problems. This not only improves the reliability of the helicopter but also extends its operational life, making it a dependable choice for many missions.
The tech of the AW139 goes beyond the cockpit. The helicopter includes modern digital flight control systems, which improve the smoothness and responsiveness of the flight. These systems help pilots make precise movements, especially in tough environments or during tricky operations. The performance of the digital flight control is further improved by the helicopter's backup systems, ensuring it remains operational even if one part fails.

Performance and Capabilities

The AW139 Leonardo helicopter is known for its strong performance and many capabilities. This helicopter is built with both power and accuracy in mind, making it suitable for missions that need high performance. This section explains why the AW139 Leonardo is excellent in speed, range, and versatility, making it a top choice for various tough tasks.
First, let's look at its engines. The AW139 is powered by two Pratt & Whitney Canada PT6C-67C turboshaft engines. These engines produce a lot of power, allowing the helicopter to fly at speeds over 165 knots. This high speed is not just for show; it is crucial for urgent missions like medical evacuations and search and rescue operations, where every second counts. Additionally, this helicopter can fly long distances, with a range of up to 573 miles. This makes it a reliable option for missions that need long flights. Whether transporting executives between cities or delivering important supplies to remote areas, the AW139 ensures continuous service.
The helicopter's ability to perform well in different settings is also important. Its design allows it to operate smoothly in both cities and rough terrains, which is vital for tasks like supporting offshore oil rigs or flying through mountains. This flexibility shows the AW139's strength and reliability. Besides its speed and range, the AW139 can carry heavy loads. With a maximum take-off weight of about 14,110 pounds, it can easily transport multiple passengers or large amounts of equipment. This cargo capacity makes it useful for different roles, from VIP transport to emergency medical services. The helicopter's cabin can also be changed to meet various mission needs.
Another great feature of the AW139 is its advanced flight control systems. These systems ensure stable and controlled flight, even in tough conditions. Enhanced by digital autopilot technology, these flight controls reduce the pilot's workload, leading to safer and more efficient flights. This means that even in complex operations, the helicopter stays stable and calm.
Next, let's talk about the landing gear, which is essential for different environments. The retractable landing gear allows the helicopter to land safely on rocky terrains, in cities, or on ships, providing versatile and safe touchdown operations. This ability is invaluable for missions that need quick take-offs and landings in unpredictable conditions.
The AW139 is not just good at performance; it also has important safety and backup features. Redundant flight control systems and other safety measures ensure consistent performance, even if some systems fail. These backups make the AW139 a reliable choice for life-saving missions.
Lastly, the AW139 offers great fuel efficiency, balancing power with economy. Lower operational costs make this helicopter a budget-friendly option for many organizations. Whether for continuous year-round operations or occasional use, the AW139 provides solid value with its efficient performance.

Safety and Reliability

The AW139 Leonardo helicopter is built with a strong focus on safety and reliability, giving both pilots and passengers a sense of confidence and peace of mind. This section will explore the main safety features and reliability aspects that make the AW139 a top choice in the aviation industry.
Safety is a key concern for any aircraft, and the AW139 excels in this area. One of its standout features is the fully redundant flight control system, which ensures that every critical function has a backup. This redundancy allows the helicopter to continue operating safely even if one system fails. Additionally, the AW139 is equipped with an emergency flotation system, which is crucial for missions over water, such as offshore transport or maritime rescue operations. In the unlikely event of a water landing, the flotation system activates automatically, keeping the helicopter afloat and giving occupants time to evacuate safely.
Another important safety feature is the crashworthy seats. Both the pilot and passenger seats are designed to minimize injury in the event of an impact. These seats absorb energy, reducing the forces experienced by occupants during a crash and thereby increasing survival rates.
Safety is further enhanced by advanced avionics and communication systems. The AW139 is equipped with state-of-the-art weather radar and navigation tools, providing pilots with real-time data to make informed decisions. The autopilot feature contributes to safer flights by maintaining stability and reducing pilot workload, especially during long or complex missions.
The helicopter's health and usage monitoring system (HUMS) is another critical component. HUMS constantly checks the status of various parts of the aircraft, providing real-time data on their condition. This proactive approach to maintenance helps identify potential issues before they become serious problems, thereby enhancing the overall reliability of the helicopter.
The AW139's reliability extends beyond its safety features. The aircraft is powered by two Pratt & Whitney Canada PT6C-67C turboshaft engines, known for their durability and performance. These engines provide the power needed for a range of missions while maintaining high levels of reliability.
The helicopter's fuel system is also designed with reliability in mind. It includes features such as dual independent fuel systems and self-sealing tanks, which reduce the risk of fuel leaks and enhance overall safety.
The landing gear is another area where reliability is evident. The retractable landing gear allows the helicopter to operate in various environments, from urban settings to rugged terrains. This versatility ensures that the AW139 can perform reliably across different missions, whether onshore or offshore.
The AW139 Leonardo helicopter is a top-tier choice for those seeking a blend of strength and elegance - its exceptional design and performance make it a remarkable aircraft in the luxury helicopter market.

About the Author
Carl Jansen
I have been a helicopter pilot since 2004 and work in the charter business. I love helicopters!