Qatar Choppers Up

July 27, 2008: The Qatari Air Force has ordered 18 AW139 transport helicopters, for about $22 million each. The eight ton chopper can carry up to 15 passengers, and can get by with just one pilot. Cruise speed is 288 kilometers an hour and endurance averages 3.2 hours. The AW149, a military version of the AW139, will be available in four years. The AW139 competes with the U.S. UH-60 and another European helicopter, the slightly larger NH90.