Destined for Border Patrol and Law Enforcement Missions

At LAAD 2017 on 6 April, Leonardo announced the Argentine National Gendarmerie has ordered an AW169 helicopter in support of law enforcement and border patrol operations. Delivery is expected in the second half of 2017, following service entry of the first commercial AW169s in Argentina and Brazil.

The Gendarmerie will operate an AW169 that features a night vision goggle-compatible cockpit, cabin roof hooks and wire strike equipment, and includes provisions for a cargo hook, external loudspeakers, rescue hoist, search light, fast roping and rappelling systems as well as FLIR. This will allow the Gendarmerie to expand the scope of its future missions as and when required.

The 4.8t AW169 has been designed in response to growing market demand for an aircraft that delivers high performance, meets all latest safety standards and has multi-role capabilities. It incorporates several new technology features in the rotor system, engines, avionics, transmission and electric power generation and distribution systems. Over 20 have been delivered to date to international customers and orders and options currently stand at over 100, in diverse roles such as law enforcement, emergency medical services, offshore transport, executive/private transport, utility and electronic newsgathering.