For LAFD, AW139 choice came down to raw power
The Los Angeles Fire Department’s decision to acquire AgustaWestland AW139s came down to a simple value equation: nearly twice the horsepower of their curr

The Los Angeles Fire Department’s decision to acquire AgustaWestland AW139s came down to a simple value equation: nearly twice the horsepower of their current Bell 412s for only a small increase in direct operating costs. “The bang you get for the buck is much cheaper,” said battalion chief Joseph Foley. The AW139 is powered by twin Pratt & Whitney PW PT6C-67Cs rated at 1,679 shp each, max continuous, while the 412’s PT6T-3D Twin Pac engines are rated at 900 shp each.

The LAFD operates two AW139s and will take delivery of a third before summer. That aircraft will replace an 18-year-old Bell 412. The department will continue to operate two remaining 412s for years to come in accordance with a fixed replacement schedule, but eventually those aircraft will be replaced with 139s.  

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