Miami-Dade Fire Rescue (MDFR) has signed a contract for four AW139 intermediate twin-engine helicopters. The aircraft will be used to perform a range of missions—primarily fire suppression, emergency medical services (EMS) and search and rescue (SAR)—and will have special equipment including a cargo hook, rescue hoist and Bambi bucket.
The first helicopter is expected to be delivered from Leonardo’s Philadelphia facility in the third quarter of 2020. A comprehensive five-year support, maintenance and training package will be provided with the possibility of a further extension to a total of 15 years.
Located along the southeast tip of the Florida peninsula, Miami-Dade is the most populous county in the state. It encompasses more than 2,000 square miles with one-third of the county located in Everglades National Park. Because of the scope of its operations, Miami-Dade Air Rescue is frequently requested to provide mutual aid support to neighboring counties including Monroe, Collier, Broward and Lee.
