Bell/Agusta has delivered a second AB139 to the government of Namibia. The aircraft will fly on utility, emergency medical service and transportation missions as part of the country’s Government Air Transportation Services. Additional deliveries are expected by year-end. The company currently has orders for about 80 aircraft.

FAA certification for the AB139 is in its final stages, following high-altitude trials in Colorado and hot-weather tests in Palm Springs, Calif. Successful completion of “hot and high” tests will lead to full FAA Category A (Class 1) public transport certification. The AB139, designed to meet today’s JAR 29/FAR 29 standards, received European EASA IFR type certification for its three-display version.

Bell/Agusta will base an AB139 in the U.S. throughout next year for demonstrations and training. Integrated Coast Guard Systems has selected the helicopter for the U.S. Coast Guard Deepwater Program, and a number of government agencies around the world are said to be “showing a keen interest” in the medium twin.

The first AB139 was delivered to Italian operator Elilario at the end of last year.