First TLDM AW139 seen

Sporting an interesting two-tone grey camouflage scheme, the first Leonardo AW139 maritime utility helicopter (MUH) for the Tentera Laut Diraja Malaysia (TLDM, Royal Malaysian Navy) was seen during a test flight.

The AW139, with test registration CSX820036, is the first of three AW139s to be delivered to Malaysia in 2022-2024. Earlier this year, TLDM Chief Admiral Reza Sany stated that the contract for the new helicopters had been signed on 20 September 2020. The first AW139 is expected to be delivered on 20 October 2022, the second 31 May 2023 and the third one on 28 February 2024.

Photo by Tiziano Capenti via AP2L (www.aplace2land.com)