Leonardo AW249

History

During the Cold War (1947-1991), there was relatively little progress in the field of dedicated attack helicopter platforms, with the main types of global operations being the Boeing AH-64 Apache and the Mil Mi-24 Hind. Even in the Mil Mi-28 Havoc The Russian military, which has two attack helicopters in the Kamov Ka-50 Black Shark series, also uses platforms from the Cold War era, when tanks were expected to dominate the European battlefield.

The Italian army used the Agusta A129 Mangusta, but even this product originated in the 1980s. More recent efforts led to the Eurocopter Tiger, which was launched in 2003, but fewer than 150 were produced, as well as the T129 ATACK from Turkey - although it was based on the Italian A129 platform.

The U.S. Marine Corps introduces a vastly improved form of the classic Bell AH-1 Huey Cobra line in the Viper series.

So Leonardo of Italy has announced a brand new development with the "AW249" of great interest. The aircraft is said to follow best helicopter design practices, featuring a dual side-by-side engine layout for optimum performance and survivability, a layered cockpit configuration for pilot and gunner, and a robust fixed tail-tow landing gear. The concept artwork features a platform capable of carrying a chin-mounted trainable automatic cannon and port and starboard ordnance wing barrels (three hardpoints on one wing).

A low-mounted five-blade main rotor sits above the fuselage, while the stern has a starboard-facing four-blade tail rotor unit to counteract torque. The hull is shown with smooth angled panels.

Leonardo SpA was awarded a 487m contract in January 2017 for the development of four aircraft, including an airworthy prototype and three in pre-production form.

The requirements for all Army Services for their attack helicopter platforms have not changed - survivability is critical to both aircrew and aircraft, so stealth measures were introduced in the new August product - implementation.

To stimulate development, the Italian Army insisted on using some combat components, such as the OTO-Melara 20mm TM197B automatic cannon for chin weapons, the Israeli SPIKE anti-tank missile (ATGM) series for anti-tank measures, and the Agusta AW149 medium helicopter series of main rotors and gearboxes. Additionally, the turboshaft unit used for power will be the proven US-origin General Electric CT7-2E1 or the French Safran "Aneto" currently used in the Leonardo AW189K model - both are said to deliver 2,000 horsepower range of power output.

Other estimated specs include a maximum take-off weight (MTOW) of up to 17,640 pounds, a cruise speed of over 160 mph, a mission duration window of up to 3 hours, and an operational service cap of 20,000 feet.

Leonardo says his new attack helicopter will combine much of his experience in the design, development, manufacture and maintenance of the A129. Communications extensions provide integration (i.e. command and control) for unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs). The redesigned wing tubes provide six mount points for different types of firearms, up from the traditional four positions for modern gunships in this class, and support both air-to-air and air-to-ground weapons. The reduced pilot workload will also flow into the cockpit, as will the state-of-the-art battle management system (BMS).

The twin-engine arrangement allows for operation on land (including "hot and high" environments) and water while increasing survivability, giving the AW249 maritime qualities often lacking in combat helicopter designs.

For the Italian Army, the AW249 will immediately replace its aging fleet of A129 Mangusta helicopters, and a global approach to developing new helicopters will undoubtedly attract foreign backers - possibly Poland and Turkey, both of which will seek Replacing them with a fleet of combat helicopters by the late 2020s, early 2030s. In fact, Poland was an early target of the AW249 project, and it was for this purpose that Leonardo entered into a partnership with Poland's Polska Grupa Zbrojeniowa (PGZ Group). The two groups have been in talks since 2016 and have signed multiple deals so far this year.

Poland has an active procurement program "Kruk" to buy new attack helicopters.

The Italian Army's A129 helicopters are expected to retire as early as 2026, which will limit the service's stable, reliable operation for more than 35 years. The new challenge will be to come up with a product that is healthy for another 35 years - one that is easily adapted for close combat, armed escort and anti-tank operations.

For the Poles, there is a great need for advanced tank killers - especially given Russia's recent aggression in Ukraine and its violent takeover of Crimea.

Specification

Basic

Production

Roles

Dimensions

Weight

Performance

Performance

Armor

Changes