Miami-Dade Fire Rescue (MDFR) announced the arrival of the newest addition to its aviation fleet, the AW139 helicopter.

The new helicopter, a Leonardo AW139, is equipped with the latest technology and safety features. Faster, larger, and with the ability to carry more weight, the AW139 increased capabilities translate into the ability to transport more critical patients, while providing flight medics even more work space inside the cabin to provide critical care to patients.

This helicopter holds more fuel, allowing it to fly missions at farther distances. Additionally, the flotation and life raft systems installed provide increased safety for over-water incidents that require air rescue to respond. Equipped with the latest thermal imaging camera and search and rescue radar, this helicopter has improved search capabilities, reducing search times. The AW139 is equipped with an Active Vibration Control System, providing smoother flights and greater patient comfort as it is quieter, providing for a reduced noise impact to the community. As part of its increased capabilities, the new aircraft can also carry more water to assist during fire suppression missions. The state-of-the-art integrated avionics and mission systems minimize pilot workload and optimize operational efficiency.

This aircraft is able to carry out a large number of operations in the most challenging of situations, including fire suppression, Emergency Medical Services (EMS), and Search and Rescue (SAR). The increased capabilities of the Leonardo AW139 helicopter will undoubtedly be a key tool in assisting MDFR to continue its mission of saving lives and property in Miami-Dade County and its surrounding areas.

The Leonardo AW139 is the first of the four brand new helicopters expected to arrive to Miami-Dade Fire Rescue in the near future.