Italian defence conglomerate Leonardo is hoping to grow its already extensive footprint in South Korea.
The company, which has its AW159 helicopter currently in service with the Republic of Korea Navy, is showcasing the AW101 and AW189 helicopters at the event. Another major area of focus at the show is the RAT31 DL/M radar, a L-band solid-state 3D surveillance radar, designed to protect large portions of territory thanks to its wide range. Leonardo is also looking to support key Korean partners with export opportunities and to work with local partners to expand the support network in Korea for its fleet of helicopters.
With many of Korea’s key civil and military forces operating a wide range of Leonardo equipment, the company is confident that the AW101 and AW189 will find takers in the country and the overall region. The AW101 embodies advanced design and technology coupled with long range and endurance, thus providing operational persistence for all missions. The versatility of the AW101 platform and a full range of on-board equipment allow operators to configure the helicopter for a wide range of roles including Maritime, Battlefield/Personnel Recovery and SAR. The mission versatility, combined with the most spacious cabin in its class featuring large side sliding doors and rear access ramp, makes the AW101 the most advanced, flexible and capable multi-role helicopter available today.
The AW101 is by design able to operate in extreme weather conditions. It is fitted with a de-icing system and rated to operate in temperatures ranging between −45 and +50 °C. The aircraft’s control systems allow the AW101 to maintain a stable hover in 74 km/h (40 kn) crosswinds. The AW101 is a medium-lift helicopter used for a range of applications by several countries including the UK, Italy and Canada, and has been ordered by Norway in a search-and-rescue configuration that includes Leonardo’s Osprey AESA radar. The multi-role helicopter is capable of performing a wide range of roles including specialized roles like airborne mine counter measures, amphibious support and transport.
The AW189 is Leonardo’s latest twin-engined, super-medium helicopter for civil and public service applications. The company is a main helicopter partner of Korea, having previously also provided the Super Lynx for the RoK Navy, the AW139 helicopter for the Korea Coast Guard and several regional fire services, the AW119K for the Korean National Police and the GrandNew and AW169 for Emergency Medical Services (EMS) operations.
The AW189 is the superior multi-mission solution for today’s demanding operations, combining exceptional payload and range with outstanding technology and safety. The type has proven extremely successful not only in the energy support market but also in the public service one for search and rescue, MEDEVAC, firefighting, disaster relief and law enforcement and has already been chosen by several operators in Asian countries for these roles.
The RAT31 DL/M radar, a L-band solid-state 3D surveillance radar, is part of a family of long-range systems with surveillance, air defence, and missile capabilities, including ballistic missiles, in support of homeland security and operational missions. The RAT 31 DL/M can adapt to the challenges posed by a broad range of operational scenarios, including those where it has to face jamming and heavy clutter at the same time. Its highly reliable technology allows for a “graceful degradation, meaning that even if some modules fail, the radar sustains its overall performance.
Leonardo has sold over 70 RAT 31 (Fixed and Mobile version) in 18 countries worldwide. The radar is a crucial component of NATO’s air defence capabilities. Its architecture meets the Alliance standards, enabling full interoperability during multinational missions.
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