The AW149 is a latest-generation medium multi-role military helicopter that delivers the highly effective and survivable capability required by today’s armed forces, combining advanced technologies, equipment, and weapons with unparalleled safety and performance characteristics. The helicopter can be rapidly configurable for a wide range of demanding missions in the most severe operational environments. The AW149 was designed as a multi-role military helicopter and has been certified by the Italian Directorate of Air Armaments. Leonardo is pitching the twin-engine AW149 to customers around the world who are considering replacing their fleets of aging multi-mission helicopters. The AW149 was designed from the outset with the modern battlefield in mind and in particular survivability on the modern battlefield including a comprehensive Defensive Aids System, safe separation of systems, ballistic tolerance and protection, key system redundancy, infra-red suppression, and military crashworthiness.
The AW149 is optimized for a multitude of battlefield missions and roles including the movement of personnel and materiel, such as Troop Transport/Insertion/Extraction (up to 16 heavily equipped troops, 19 light) and Cargo Internal/Underslung External Loads; medical and casualty evacuation; Search and Rescue (SAR) and Personnel Recovery; special forces operations and Combat SAR; close air support/armed escort; Command and Control (C2); and Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR). The AW149 blends performance, lower life-cycle costs, and day/night all-weather capability in a single platform. With a smaller external footprint than other helicopters in its class, but with similar cabin volume and large stowage area, the more modern has better performance than its competitors.
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. A large equipment stowage area for stretchers and medical kits can be accessed optionally from the cabin.
AW249 New Generation Attack Helicopter
The only new combat helicopter currently in design, the AW249 exploration and escort rotorcraft is under development for the Italian Army. The AW249 meets emerging requirements to operate in a rapidly evolving battlespace over the next 30 years. It combines advanced technologies, outstanding performance, and high survivability, together with low operating costs. The AW249 helicopter is tailored to the future battlespace and the increasing need 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 the most rigorous safety requirements and standards. It features an advanced Integrated Defensive Aids Suite (IDAS), high run-dry main gearbox capability, armored seats, and ballistic tolerant fuel tanks, together with superior crashworthiness and low detectability. With a maximum take-off weight of 8.3 tonnes, the AW249 combines high speed and endurance to perform missions including aerial escort, close air support, and air interdiction. Powerful engines enable operations in the most extreme conditions.
The AW249 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 fiber optic guided missiles and features a 20mm cannon. The AW249 is designed with a modern technical support approach and digital services for advanced predictive maintenance allowing high availability and efficient, cost/effective life cycle management.
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