News

2024-03-06

Leonardo’s Twin Titans: AW149 & AW249

Today’s armed forces operate in a complex battlefield. Demanding missions, harsh environments, and evolving threats require a helicopter that not only keeps pace, but thrives under pressure.

AW149, a state-of-the-art medium multi-role military helicopter, sets the gold standard for the armed forces. This latest-generation marvel seamlessly integrates advanced technologies, top-tier equipment, and formidable weaponry, ensuring unmatched safety and performance.

Versatility is the hallmark of the AW149, adapting to a wide range of demanding missions in the toughest operational environments. Crafted to excel in challenging landscapes, this helicopter stands poised to conquer any mission with ease.

Certified by the Italian Directorate of Air Armaments, it represents a pinnacle of excellence.

Leonardo is pitching this twin-engine powerhouse to military forces worldwide seeking to modernise their ageing multi-mission helicopter fleets.

The helicopter is purposefully designed with the modern battlefield at the forefront, placing a strong emphasis on survivability in contemporary warfare scenarios. This commitment is reflected in its Defensive Aids System, safe system separation, ballistic tolerance and protection, redundancy in key systems, infra-red suppression, and military crashworthiness.

Troop Transport Mastery

Tailored for a myriad of battlefield missions, the AW149 excels in various capacities, including the transportation of personnel and materiel. It serves as an adept platform for Troop Transport/Insertion/Extraction, accommodating up to 16 heavily equipped troops or 19 in light gear.

Its capabilities extend to Cargo Internal/Underslung External Loads, medical and casualty evacuation, Search and Rescue (SAR), Personnel Recovery, special forces operations, Combat SAR, close air support/armed escort, Command and Control (C2), and Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR).

The helicopter blends performance, lower life-cycle costs and day/night all-weather capability in a single platform. Boasting a reduced external footprint compared to other helicopters in its class, yet offering a similar cabin volume and expansive stowage area, the modern model outperforms its competitors with superior capabilities.

Reconfigurable Cabin

The large, rapidly reconfigurable cabin can accommodate a wide range of role equipment and weapon systems to enhance operational effectiveness and survivability on the battlefield.

The main gearbox has a 50-minute dry run capability, while the helicopter also features self-sealing fuel tanks. The spacious, unobstructed cabin and large sliding doors on both sides enable the rapid transport of heavily laden troops and mission equipment in support of high-tempo operations.

The large sliding doors support fast roping and hoist operations, enabling troop insertion and extraction on the hover while allowing simultaneous cover fire from window-mounted machine guns. Optionally accessible from the cabin, the large equipment stowage area is designed to accommodate stretchers and medical kits efficiently.

Strategic Evolution: AW249

Leonardo is also currently in the design phase of the AW249, the Italian Army’s upcoming combat helicopter. Set to be the only new rotorcraft of its kind, the AW249 is purpose-built to meet the emerging requirements of operating in a rapidly evolving battlespace over the next 30 years. Boasting a fusion of advanced technologies, exceptional performance, and heightened survivability, this helicopter sets a new standard, all while maintaining cost-effectiveness.

It is tailored to address the demands of the future battlespace, with a focus on the increasing necessity for network-centric operations.

Interoperable with all air and ground assets in a true multi-domain scenario, including Uncrewed Aircraft Systems (UAS), the aircraft fuses open systems architecture with growth capabilities, state-of-the-art communications and connectivity and an advanced battlespace management system. Mission systems enhance situational awareness, reduce pilot workload and increase safety.

The helicopter complies with rigorous safety requirements and standards. It features an advanced Integrated Defensive Aids Suite (IDAS), high run dry main gearbox capability, armoured seats and ballistic tolerant fuel tanks, together with superior crashworthiness and low detectability.

Turbo Triumph

Boasting a maximum take-off weight of 8.3 tonnes, the AW249 blends high speed and extended endurance, making it an ideal choice for diverse missions such as aerial escort, close air support, and air interdiction. Powerful engines enable operations in extreme conditions.

The helicopter can be equipped with a flexible weapon system that includes guided and unguided 70mm rockets, air-to-air infrared guided missiles, and air-to-ground radio frequency or fibre optic guided missiles and features a 20mm cannon. It is designed with a modern technical support approach and digital services for advanced predictive maintenance allowing high availability and efficient, cost/effective through life cycle management.

In short, Leonardo’s AW149 and AW249 helicopters redefine military aviation with top-tier performance, ensuring adaptability in dynamic operational environments .

Comments () Views (7028 ) Print

Send To Friend