Uploaded February 2024 | Updated September 2026, 3 weeks ago
The Italian Air Force giving a rare 'Search & Rescue' demonstration of their HH-139B helicopter at RAF Fairford, on the Saturday of the Royal International Air Tattoo 2023. The helicopter appeared as part of the celebration of the centenary of the Italian Air Force. This was the first time this display appeared at RIAT and was provided by 15° Stormo from Cervia Air Base.
The Leonardo AW139 is a 15-seat medium helicopter which first flew in 2001. The AW139 has found success as a corporate transport helicopter and began operational use in 2003. The type has also gained a strong military reputation and has been ordered by a number of air forces including the Irish Air Corps. Boeing also build a version of the AW139 under licence called the MH-139A Grey Wolf which has replaced the UH-1N in US Air Force service as a security patrol helicopter for nuclear missile launch facilities. In the UK, the AW139 was previously used for Search and Rescue for His Majesties Coastguard.
The Italian Air Force operate three versions of the AW139. The HH-139A and HH-139B are specialised variants of the militarised AW139M, both of which are used for Search and Rescue, the HH-139B model is also configured to undertake Combat Search and Rescue behind enemy lines. The third version is a pair of VH-139A which the Italian Air Force use as VIP transports.
This Video and Audio content is
Copyright © 2024 StephenKeeler (HightFlight/SkyHighFlightTV) All Rights Reserved
The Italian Air Force giving a rare 'Search & Rescue' demonstration of their HH-139B helicopter at RAF Fairford, on the Saturday of the Royal International Air Tattoo 2023. The helicopter appeared as part of the celebration of the centenary of the Italian Air Force. This was the first time this display appeared at RIAT and was provided by 15° Stormo from Cervia Air Base.
The Leonardo AW139 is a 15-seat medium helicopter which first flew in 2001. The AW139 has found success as a corporate transport helicopter and began operational use in 2003. The type has also gained a strong military reputation and has been ordered by a number of air forces including the Irish Air Corps. Boeing also build a version of the AW139 under licence called the MH-139A Grey Wolf which has replaced the UH-1N in US Air Force service as a security patrol helicopter for nuclear missile launch facilities. In the UK, the AW139 was previously used for Search and Rescue for His Majesties Coastguard.
The Italian Air Force operate three versions of the AW139. The HH-139A and HH-139B are specialised variants of the militarised AW139M, both of which are used for Search and Rescue, the HH-139B model is also configured to undertake Combat Search and Rescue behind enemy lines. The third version is a pair of VH-139A which the Italian Air Force use as VIP transports.
This Video and Audio content is
Copyright © 2024 StephenKeeler (HightFlight/SkyHighFlightTV) All Rights Reserved
