Leonardo and Guardia di Finanza (Italy's Police Force with general capability in economic and financial matters as well as the only maritime Police Force in Italy) have announced the delivery of the operator's first AW169M light-intermediate twin engine helicopter in a special configuration featuring skids. The handover was performed at Leonardo's Vergiate assembly line (Varese) during an official ceremony.
The aircraft will be part of an AW169M fleet of 24 units, including six with fixed landing gear and eighteen with a skid undercarriage. All aircraft are expected to be delivered by 2024 complementing a fleet of 20 AW139 intermediate twin helicopters. The AW169Ms are used for various tasks including: maritime police/patrol, homeland customs security, law enforcement, rescue and other security duties.
