Air Guard AW139 Helicoptors:

On Saturday, 28 May 2011, two of the four AgustaWestland helicoptors ordered by the Government of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago arrived on the island. Combined, the two AW139 helicoptors were valued at US$348 million (TT$2.1 billion). This acquisition forms part of a TT$5 billion government budget to increase border and maritime security within the country and Caribbean region. The four helicoptors will be utilized by the Trinidad and Tobago Air Guard (TTAG) to conduct operations in search and rescue, disaster relief, law enforcement and drug interdiction. Moreover, these aircrafts will allow for joint operations among the land, sea and air formations of the Trinidad and Tobago Defence Force and other local, regional and international law enforcement and disaster relief agencies.

TRINIDAD AND TOBAGO AIRGUARD AW139 HELICOPTORS :

The AW139 is a new generation, medium, twin-turbine helicopter, designed with inherent multi-role capability and flexibility of operation, ideal for its purpose within the scope of the Trinidad and Tobago Air Guard. This vehicle has the best power reserve of any helicopter in its engine class engine class. Its Pratt & Whitney Canada PT6C-67C turbines, together with a state-of-the-art 5-bladed main rotor, deliver a high cruise speed in demanding conditions and at all weights carried.

In 2003 the Prime Minister of Trinidad and Tobago announced an initiative to construct a regional natural gas pipeline to extend from Trinidad to Antigua and eventually west to Jamaica.  The construction of this pipeline would therefore mean that the cThe internal dimensions of its cabin makes it the best choice for emergency evacuations. The flat floor and ceiling provide maximum cabin flexibility. An 8 cubic metre cabin volume and a height of 1.42 m allows the medical attendants sufficient room to tend to casualties. ountry’s petrochemical interest would now extend a considerable distance beyond its EEZ.  This would therefore see the Trinidad and Tobago Defence Force committed to the task of securing Trinidad and Tobago’s economic interest both locally and regionally.

Search and Rescue crews will also make good use of the AW139's greater cruise speed especially with the aircraft's exceptional OEI (One Engine Inoperability) capability. This aircraft's ability to reduce pilot workload and operate in the toughest conditions will ensure Search and Rescue crews achieve their missions safely and efficiently.

The AW139 surpasses all others in its weight class in versatility, performance, productivity and comfort. Its integrated avionic system provides the basis for managing the sensors and comprehensive communications suite required for its additional role in law enforcement. Furthermore, the Air Guard's contract with AgustaWestland allows for extensive training and logistical support services for the first five years of ownership. These services will be supplied in Italy, the United Kingdom and the United States. A team of consultants, including AgustaWestland, Bristow Caribbean, FB Heliservices and Helidecks Training Solutions, both of the United Kingdom, is being established to manage the AW139 programme for the Trinidad and Tobago Air Guard.