The fuselages of the first two pre-production models of the Agusta/Bell AB 139 utility helicopter are now on the assembly line at Agusta's Vergiate, Italy. Maiden flight of the prototype is slated for late this year, with certification in late 2002. The fuselage of the third and last pre-production aircraft will arrive at Vergiate next week.

Bell/Agusta Aerospace has announced two more orders for the forthcoming AB 139, in addition to those already placed by Bristow Helicopters of the UK and Australia's Helitech (Brisbane).
Elilario, a member company of Italy's Gemina Group, and an as yet undisclosed Dutch operator have each ordered one helicopter.

Bell/Agusta executives at Farnborough say they're confident that more orders for the twin-turbine AB 139 will be disclosed before the end of the year.

By Bob Rodwell