AW169M

All posts tagged AW169M

Leonardo – AW169’s skidded capabilities to grow further with 5,100 kg Increased Gross Weight and 11-seater configuration.

Posted by dgualdo on 01/11/2023
Posted in: Italian Helicopter NEWS, Leonardo Helicopters NEWS, World Helicopter NEWS. Tagged: , , , , , , .

PRESS RELEASE – 30 October 2023

  • The 5,100 kg Increased Gross Weight (IGW) will meet the evolving needs of the military and civil markets delivering higher weight category performance and capabilities with lower weight category costs 
  • An 11-seater configuration and modular fuel tank will address rigorous requirements, particularly in the energy sector in terms of payload, range, and compliance with the latest standards 
  • The latest enhancements and kits being developed leverage on the inherent growth potential of the successful latest generation AW169 helicopter

The AW169 light intermediate twin engine helicopter’s operational capabilities and range of options will grow further with the launch of a 5,100 kg (11,243 lb) IGW kit and an 11-seater configuration fully compliant with the IOGP (International Association of Oil & Gas Producers) Report 690. Both will be made available for the aircraft version with skid landing gear. 

The 5,100 kg (11,243 lb) kit for the AW169 skid version, originally conceived to meet government and defence requirements for missions like troop transport and combat operations, will also respond to evolving civil and public service market needs leveraging multiple operational and performance benefits. Key factors to this capability expansion are the inherent growth potential of the type not requiring modifications in the design of critical components, and the performance increase packages, delivering greater engine and transmission power as well as improved aerodynamics in all conditions and for all applications.

Compared with the standard 4,800 kg (10582 lb) Maximum Take-off Weight, the extra 300 kg (661 lb) available with the 5,100 kg IGW kit allows the embarkation of three more passengers or the addition of fuel for approximately one hour of operations. Existing operators of the type’s version with skids will be able to retrofit the 5,100 kg IGW kit to enhance their aircraft’s capabilities. 

As an additional option, the 11-seater configuration, fully compliant with the IOGP Report 690 (Offshore Helicopter Recommended Practices), will introduce a new modular fuel tank system and two additional Type IV emergency exits in the cabin, increasing the total number from four to six. The 11 seats configuration will be available for the skid-fitted version in combination with the 5,100 kg IGW kit. This solution will allow the type to satisfy even more demanding offshore transport requirements in terms of payload, range, and compliance with IOGP latest standards. 

This configuration will allow a radius of action of up to 75 nm with 11 passengers, therefore offering capabilities typically achievable with types with a MTOW exceeding 5.5 tons (intermediate class) at a light intermediate class cost of operations as well as granting latest safety standards compared with legacy helicopters. It will also deliver greater sustainability versus ageing types in the relevant weight category thanks to a more efficient powerplant, advanced navigation, modern support and maintenance approach, among other solutions.

The Certification of the IGW increase is expected in 2024 while the 11-seater configuration with new modular fuel tank is planned for certification in 2026. 

These latest operational capabilities will add to the EASA (European Aviation Safety Agency) certifications of the skid undercarriage and unique IFR, single pilot, Advanced Search and Rescue (SAR) Modes, both achieved in late 2022. With the skid configuration certification, the AW169 became the only modern CS29-certified aircraft able to offer all undercarriage solutions, further demonstrating the versatility by design of the type. The AW169 is also the only helicopter in its weight category that features Advanced SAR Modes. The performance increase packages previously developed had already enhanced engine performance and capabilities, transmission ratings and available payload through engine software updates and aircraft aerodynamics modifications, making the type the helicopter with the best power-to-weight ratio in its class.

The introduction of the AW169 has expanded Leonardo’s presence in the emergency medical service market and added more operators for law enforcement, disaster relief, and fire-fighting duties. It further reinforces the company’s leadership in the multi-engine VIP market providing operators with one more option fitting between the popular AW109 series and the bestselling AW139 models. It also adds one more solution for shorter-range operations supporting the energy sector and allows Leonardo to play a growing role in the new wind farm support field. Moreover, its dual-use design has responded to a range of government, homeland security and defence requirements for missions like surveillance, troop transport, combat operations, disaster relief and emergency response, fire-fighting, training, mountain rescue, and medevac. 

Over 320 AW169s are on order today, with around 170 units delivered from the Vergiate final assembly line (Italy) to operators in over 30 countries. The global fleet has logged in excess of 170,000 flight hours in all kind of operations and conditions. The fleet leader has exceeded 3,700 flight hours in EMS operations in Sweden.

First AW169M delivered to Guardia di Finanza … Event Photo Report Page.

Posted by dgualdo on 28/01/2023
Posted in: Italian Helicopter NEWS, Leonardo Helicopters NEWS, Website NEWS. Tagged: , , , , , , , , , , .
Delivery Cerimony Photo Report Page … images © by: Damiano GUALDONI

A new Photo Report Page dedicated to the event held in Vergiate (VA) on day 24th January 2023 is now available. 55 images will cover completely the delivery cerimony.

My special thanks to Leonardo Helicopters Communication / Ufficio Stampa for the possibility given to follow the event and picture the new helicopter for the website readers.

Leonardo: Guardia di Finanza’s first newly-configured AW169M delivered.

Posted by dgualdo on 24/01/2023
Posted in: Italian Helicopter NEWS, Leonardo Helicopters NEWS. Tagged: , , , , , , .

PRESS RELEASE – Rome,  24 January 2023

  • The aircraft will be part of a fleet of 24 units, including six with fixed landing gear and 18 with skids. Deliveries are expected to be completed in 2024, complementing a fleet of 20 AW139s   
  • The global AW169 fleet, with more than 150 units delivered to operators in nearly 30 countries, has logged in excess of 135,000 flight hours in all conditions and a variety of operations. Customers worldwide have placed orders and options for over 320 AW169 helicopters to date

Leonardo and Guardia di Finanza (Italy’s Police Force with general capability in economic and financial matters as well as the only maritime Police Force in Italy) celebrated today the delivery of the operator’s first AW169M light-intermediate twin engine helicopter in a special configuration featuring skids. The handover was performed at Leonardo’s Vergiate assembly line (Varese) during an official ceremony in presence of representatives from the customer and the company. 

The aircraft will be part of an AW169M fleet of 24 units, including six with fix landing gear and eighteen with skid undercarriage. All aircraft are expected to be delivered by 2024 complementing a fleet of 20 AW139 intermediate twin helicopters. The AW169Ms are used for various tasks including: maritime police/patrol, homeland customs security, law enforcement, rescue, and other security duties. 

Guardia di Finanza first received the military-certified AW169M in late 2019, enhancing its fleet modernisation plans. The aircraft of Guardia di Finanza feature a dedicated configuration including: a rescue hoist, an emergency floatation system and life rafts, wire cutters, TCAS II (Traffic Collision Avoidance System), a NVG (Night Vision Goggle) compatible cockpit, HTAWS (Helicopter Terrain Awareness Warning System), an advanced communication system, advanced HUMS (Health Usage Monitoring System), a searchlight, an ice detector, SATCOM, mobile phone detector and hyperspectral detection and reconnaissance system. The helicopters are also fitted with a range of Leonardo systems such as a RW ATOS (Airborne Tactical Observation and Surveillance) system with an advanced operator console, Gabbiano radar, LEOSS (Long Range Electro-Optical Surveillance System), M428 IFF transponder, OPLS (Obstacle Proximity Lidar System), V/UHF radio systems cockpit panels and lighting. 

The latest delivery introduces unique IFR, single pilot, Advanced Search and Rescue (SAR) Modes with dedicated FMS (Flight Management System) search patterns enabling the aircraft to automatically fly along a predefined search path, which reduces pilot’s workload on the search phase of a SAR mission. The AW169 is the only helicopter in its weight category that features Advanced SAR Modes.

The AW169M represents the military variant of the AW169, the future generation helicopter developed by Leonardo. It is equipped with state-of-the-art on board technologies, designed to the latest FAR/JAR/EASA requirements as well as those standards of military, homeland security and government users.

The platform features outstanding power, agility and manoeuvrability, which provides excellent handling characteristics in a wide range of operating conditions including hot and high. The unique transmission design provides power to hydraulic, electrical and air conditioning systems with the rotors stopped (APU mode) optimising response time and availability. The cabin is the most spacious in its class and features a constant height cross section for rapid reconfiguration and ease of access. Pilots benefit from a latest-generation, open-architecture avionics suite, including a fully-digital glass cockpit and unprecedented external visibility, providing advanced tactical and situational awareness.

The global AW169 fleet, with more than 150 units delivered to operators in nearly 30 countries, has logged in excess of 135,000 flight hours in all kind of operations and conditions. Customers worldwide have placed orders and options for over 320 AW169 helicopters to date, including military and law enforcement/public service operators, to carry out a range of missions including utility, surveillance, special operations, maritime patrol, land reconnaissance, training, rescue and fire-fighting. In Italy, the adoption of the AW169M by operators among armed forces and government law enforcement agencies replacing many ageing models provides the advantage of unique logistical, operational and technical, certification and training commonalities and synergies across the growing AW169 fleets. This strengthens the possibility to perform effective and safe joint operations with other users of this modern type and represents a quantum leap in homeland security, emergency response capability and overall through-lifecycle costs/effectiveness for decades to come. 

Leonardo: Austrian MoD takes delivery of its first AW169M LUH helicopter as Italy and Austria sign G2G Agreement amendment to exercise options for additional aircraft.

Posted by dgualdo on 08/01/2023
Posted in: Italian Helicopter NEWS, Leonardo Helicopters NEWS, World Helicopter NEWS. Tagged: , , , , , .

PRESS RELEASE – Rome,  21 December 2022 15:33

  • The first of 18 helicopters was delivered in line with contractual obligations. The Austrian MoD’s AW169M LUH programme begins a new era in national defence and emergency response capabilities.  
  • Options for an additional 18 helicopters have been exercised in the framework of the Italy-Austria G2G initiative aimed at reinforcing the bilateral collaboration between the two countries and establishing a strategic partnership in the rotorcraft sector. 
  • Profumo: “We’re pleased to see the first helicopter in Austria and we welcome the decision to further expand the fleet. We look forward to providing an even greater contribution to meet the requirements set by the collaboration between the two governments.”

The Austrian Ministry of Defence’s AW169M LUH helicopter programme set a major milestone today with the delivery of the first aircraft from an initial order of 18 units, based on the Italy-Austria Government-to-Government (G2G) Agreement announced by the relevant Authorities at the end of 2021.

The handover of the aircraft, built at Leonardo’s Vergiate facility in Italy, achieved in line with the contractual obligations, was performed during an official ceremony held at the Tulln-Langenlebarn Brumowski Air Base, in the presence of Leonardo’s senior management. Austria and Italy also announced today a G2G Agreement amendment through which Austria is exercising options for an additional 18 helicopters, providing further evidence of its confidence in the selected platform. 

The Italy-Austria G2G initiative is aimed at reinforcing the bilateral collaboration between the two countries and establishing a strategic partnership in the rotorcraft sector, with Austria looking at Italy and the AW169M LUH programme for its modernisation plan and the replacement of its ageing Alouette III aircraft fleet, which have been in service since the 1960s. 

The first aircraft’s handover marks a significant leap forward for Austria, starting a new era in national defence and emergency response capabilities. Furthermore, it also represents an important milestone for Leonardo, celebrating the first delivery to the export market of the AW169M variant, under a G2G programme. Austrian crews have already been leveraging initial training supplied at Leonardo’s Training Academy in Sesto Calende (Italy) and will be supported by the Italian Army’s training capabilities as an AW169M LUH operator.

The AW169M LUH, with its superior performance and unmatched latest generation capabilities, as well as the complete support and training services to perform true multirole operations, is the most technologically advanced and cost-effective solution to meet the rigorous needs of the operator. The AW169M LUHs will be able to carry out a wide range of missions supporting Austrian defence requirements and the national community, such as troop transport, combat operations, disaster relief and emergency response, fire-fighting, mountain rescue and MEDEVAC. 

Alessandro Profumo, Chief Executive Officer of Leonardo, said: “It gives us great pleasure to see the first AW169M LUH here in Austria and we welcome the decision to further expand the fleet. We look forward to providing an even greater contribution with the most technologically advanced and cost-effective solution to meet the stringent requirements set by the collaboration between the two governments. We’re committed to sustaining this important and growing programme.” 

Gian Piero Cutillo, Managing Director of Leonardo Helicopters, added: “The development of this programme and the handover of the first aircraft in line with the delivery schedule is the result of an amazing collaboration among all the involved parties. We know the outstanding technology, performance, multirole capabilities and complete services of the type will significantly boost national defence and emergency response, even more with today’s decision to rely on an even larger fleet in the future.”

Leonardo – AW169 helicopter’s mission capabilities and configuration options expanded with skid and Advanced SAR Mode certifications.

Posted by dgualdo on 16/11/2022
Posted in: HEMS / SAR, Leonardo Helicopters NEWS, Offshore. Tagged: , , , , , , , , , .

PRESS RELEASE – Rome,  09 November 2022

  • The AW169 offers all undercarriage options, including retractable/fixed landing gear and skids; it is the first and only modern CS-29 certified helicopter with these options 
  • The only helicopter in its class featuring Advanced SAR Modes. The first civil-certified rotorcraft with IFR single pilot SAR Modes operational capability 
  • Over 300 AW169s are on order, around 150 are in service in 25 countries with more than 125,000 FH logged 

The AW169 light intermediate twin engine helicopter’s operational capabilities and configuration options grow further with the recent EASA (European Aviation Safety Agency) certification of the skid undercarriage and unique IFR, single pilot, Advanced Search and Rescue (SAR) Modes.

These latest achievements follow additional enhancements, such as the introduction of the Phase 8 core avionics software release combined with HTAWS (Helicopter terrain Awareness Warning System) Offshore Modes. 

The introduction of skids adds to the existing retractable and fixed landing gear options, providing the market with all three undercarriage solutions. This makes the AW169 the only modern CS29-certified aircraft able to offer all options, further demonstrating the versatility by design of the type. This certification will enable the start of aircraft deliveries with the skid configuration, the initial handover is planned for Italy’s law enforcement operators.

The Advanced Search and Rescue (SAR) Modes introduce dedicated FMS (Flight Management System) search patterns enabling the aircraft to automatically fly along a predefined search path, which reduces pilot’s workload on the search phase of a SAR mission. The AW169 is the only helicopter in its weight category that features Advanced SAR Modes. The high level of automation, which is delivered allows for single pilot capable SAR modes certification, making the AW169 the world’s first civil-certified helicopter with this capability. Further ongoing developments to expand the range of options and kits, also include a 700-880kg capable modular fuel tank installation or a 3-seat installation in the third seat row increasing thenumber of passengers in the cabin to 11 providing operators with an even greater degree of freedom to maximise mission versatility in terms of payload and range. These latest enhancements add to the performance increase packages, which were certified in late 2021 and deliver greater performance in all conditions for all applications making the AW169 the helicopter with the best power-to-weight ratio in its class.  

Designed with the principle of maximum flexibility, the type stays true to this value today and in the future to meet the most stringent requirements. The AW169 continues to provide all new capabilities to operators looking for an ideal combination of light helicopter cost with higher category performance, payload, and cabin space, all combined with comprehensive and ever-growing support and training services. 

The introduction of the AW169 has further strengthened the competitiveness and market position of Leonardo in the world helicopter market. It has expanded Leonardo’s presence in the emergency medical service market and added more operators for law enforcement, disaster relief, and fire-fighting duties. It further reinforces the company’s leadership in the multi-engine VIP market providing operators with one more option fitting between the popular AW109 series and the bestselling AW139 models. It adds one more solution for shorter range operations supporting the energy sector and allows Leonardo to play a growing role in the new wind farm support field. Moreover, its dual-use design has responded to a range of government, homeland security and defence requirements in Italy and abroad for missions like surveillance, troop transport, combat operations, disaster relief and emergency response, fire-fighting, training, mountain rescue and medevac. 

Over 300 AW169s are on order today, with around 150 units delivered from the Vergiate final assembly line (Italy) to operators in 25 countries. The global fleet has logged in excess of 125,000 flight hours in all kind of operations and conditions. The fleet leader has exceeded 3000 flight hours in EMS operations in Sweden. 

Leonardo – Italian Army’s UH-169B training helicopters set first major operational milestone logging 1,000 flight hours.

Posted by dgualdo on 23/12/2021
Posted in: Italian Helicopter NEWS, Leonardo Helicopters NEWS. Tagged: , , , , , , , .

PRESS RELEASE – 22 DECEMBER 2021

  • Two UH-169B helicopters in service since 2H2020 are preparing crews for the future operational transition to the all-new advanced multirole Light Utility Helicopter (LUH) programme
  • Italian Army quote “This is an important step for the Italian Army Aviation, in cooperation with Leonardo, towards the future”
  • Over 290 orders and options to date for the AW169 from customers worldwide and more than 130 are already in service globally, which are performing utility, surveillance, special operations, maritime patrol, land reconnaissance, training, rescue and fire-fighting  

The Italian Army’s two AW169 basic training twin engine helicopters recently set a first important milestone by accruing 1,000 flight hours in operations.

The type has been in service with the Italian Army since July 2020 when the first aircraft was delivered to the 2nd Army Aviation Regiment ‘Sirio’ based in Lamezia Terme in Southern Italy, followed by the second helicopter a few months afterwards. 

The introduction of the latest generation training helicopter (designated UH-169B) allows the Italian Army to prepare its crews for the future operational transition. This will be to an all-new advanced multirole Light Utility Helicopter (LUH) programme, developed from the AW169 dual-use baseline, which is aimed at longer-term fleet modernisation and rationalisation plan. The two AW169 trainers will enable the Italian Army to familiarise itself with the platform’s basic characteristics during the development of the new LUH. These have been supplied with comprehensive turnkey logistical support and a pilot/maintenance technician training package which will maintain high availability rates and ensure operational readiness.

The LUH programme is aimed at progressively replacing ageing models, including the A109, AB206, AB205, AB212 and AB412 to meet evolving operational requirements. In addition the programme benefits from a more efficient supply chain based on a ‘one single platform’ approach. The introduction of the AW169 LUH, specifically developed for the Italian Army leverages on the AW169M military helicopter baseline, and also provides the advantage of unique logistical, operational and technical, certification and training commonalities and synergies across the growing AW169 fleets of government operators in Italy. This strengthens the possibility to perform effective and safe joint operations with other users of this modern type and represents a quantum leap in homeland security, emergency response capability and overall through-lifecycle costs/effectiveness for decades to come. The overall AW169 LUH programme is based on an advanced multirole configuration provided with dedicated flight/mission equipment including, among others, skids landing gear, the Leonardo MAIR (Multi Aperture InfraRed) threat warning system and an advanced C4 command, control and communication system to grant full interoperability with other assets in the NATO environment. The Italian Army will initially receive 15 AW169 LUHs starting in 2023.  

Italian Army quote “The 2nd Army Aviation Regiment ‘Sirio’ is the Italian Army flight Unit designated to study and verify in flight the basic version of the aircraft, in order to settle modifications aimed to its reconfiguration into the LUH military version”. 

Austrian Armed Forces Procuring AW169M to Replace Aging Alouette III Helicopters.

Posted by dgualdo on 16/10/2020
Posted in: HEMS / SAR, Leonardo Helicopters NEWS, World Helicopter NEWS. Tagged: , , , , , , , , .

OVERTDEFENCE .COM – By ED NASH – 23 September 2020.

The Austrian Ministry of Defense has announced that they are planning on ordering 18 Leonardo AW169M helicopters.

The cost of the procurement will be 300 million Euros and first delivery is expected mid-2022. A minimum service life of 30 years is expected.

The new helicopters will replace the Alouette III light liaison and transport helicopters currently in use. These have been in service since 1967 and will be retired at the end of 2023 due to age issues.

Defense Minister Klaudia Tanner announced the decision on Monday, saying that:

“With this helicopter we are buying a highly efficient and modern machine that not only serves the safety of our soldiers, but also the safety of the entire population. We are investing in the safety of Austria.”

The AW169M is certainly a more capable aircraft than it’s predecessor. The helicopter is much more powerful and therefore better suited for use in the mountains. Its modern avionics also make it possible to fly at night and in poor weather conditions.

Capable of carrying ten passengers, the Austrians intend to use the AW169Ms for a wide range of missions, not just transporting personnel and materials but also for extinguishing forest fires, aerial reconnaissance and mountain rescue.

Of the purchase, 12 will be based in Aigen/Ennstal primarily as emergency vehicles whilst the other six will be stationed as trainers in Langenlebarn.

The Austrian MoD state that they chose the Leonardo (formerly Augusta-Westland) design over the comparable Bell 429 and Airbus H-145 because that company offered better terms in cooperation in the areas of training, logistics and aircraft operation.

The Austrians also state that though the aircraft will not be armed they will require the new helicopters to be capable of mounting weapon stations that are able to be fitted within hours, should that be necessary. These could include the ability to use advanced missile systems, though the exact specification is still being discussed with the manufacturer.

Link to the original article online: https://www.overtdefense.com/2020/09/23/austrian-armed-forces-procuring-aw169m-to-replace-aging-alouette-helicopters/

Website NEWS: Heli Wallpapers … Leonardo UH-169A [AW169M] MM81962 / GF-501.

Posted by dgualdo on 01/09/2020
Posted in: Website NEWS. Tagged: , , , , .

MM81962 / GF-501 – Heli WALLPAPERS

HELI WALLPAPERS
Leonardo / AgustaWestland AW169 … Photo Page
Leonardo Helicopters UH-169A [AW169M] ( c/n 69095 ) MM81962 / GF-501

Thanks to Roberto QUARTIERI for this great image of the Leonardo UH-169A [AW169M] MM81962 / GF-501 operated by Guardia di Finanza … during a stop at Montespluga (SO), August 2020.

Leonardo delivers its first AW169 basic training helicopter to the Italian Army.

Posted by dgualdo on 17/07/2020
Posted in: Italian Helicopter NEWS, Leonardo Helicopters NEWS. Tagged: , , , , , , , .
  • In view of the AW169 LUH (Light Utility Helicopter) programme which will allow the Italian Army to meet evolving operational needs and ensure more efficient fleet management with one single new generation platform, replacing a range of ageing types in different classes
  • The entire, longer term programme will deliver unique logistics, operational, technical, certification and training commonalities and synergies across the growing AW169 fleets of Government operators in Italy, for outstandingly effective and safe joint homeland security and emergency response missions
  • Two AW169 trainers will allow the operator and its crews to familiarise with the platform’s basic characteristics, supporting the transition to the new LUH programme
  • Over 220 AW169s sold to customers worldwide to date include: military, law enforcement and public service operators for utility, surveillance, special operations, maritime patrol, land reconnaissance, training, rescue and firefighting

PRESS RELEASE – Rome, 10 July 2020

Leonardo announced today the delivery of the first of two AW169 basic training twin engine helicopters to the Italian Army during an official ceremony held at the 2nd Rgt. AVES ‘Sirio’ based in Lamezia Terme in the presence of representatives from the operator and industry.

The second aircraft is expected to be handed over in the next few months.

The introduction of the new generation training helicopter (designated UH-169B) allows the Italian Army to prepare its crews for the future operational transition to its all-new advanced multirole Light Utility Helicopter (LUH) programme developed on the AW169 dual-use baseline and aimed at longer term fleet modernisation and rationalization plan. The two AW169 trainers, which will enable the Italian Army to familiarise with the platform’s basic characteristics during the development of the new LUH, are being supplied with a comprehensive “turnkey” logistical support and a pilot/maintenance technician training package.

The LUH programme is aimed at progressively replacing ageing models including the A109, AB206, AB205, AB212 and AB412 to meet the evolving operational requirements, and benefits from a more efficient supply chain based on a ‘one single platform’ approach.

The introduction of the AW169 LUH, specifically developed for the Italian Army leveraging on the AW169M military helicopter baseline, also provides the advantage of unique logistical, operational and technical, certification and training commonalities and synergies across the growing AW169 fleets of Government operators in Italy. This strengthens the possibility to perform effective and safe joint operations with other users of this modern type and represents a quantum leap in homeland security, emergency response capability and overall through-life-cycle cost/effectiveness for decades to come. The overall AW169 LUH programme is based on an advanced multirole configuration provided with dedicated flight/mission equipment including, among others, skids landing gear and an advanced C4 command, control and communication system to grant full interoperability with the other assets in the NATO environment.

Gian Piero Cutillo, Managing Director Leonardo Helicopters, said: “It gives us great pleasure to celebrate with the Italian Army the delivery of its first AW169 in basic training configuration as an essential enabler ahead of the implementation of the new, broader LUH programme. The LUH will definitely represent the start of a new era in terms of capabilities, technical support, mission flexibility and interoperability in the light weight segment. The new programme takes advantage of many decades of a successful partnership and continued exchange of information, intended to fully understand the changing operational needs and how to address them through the possibilities offered by new technologies. We’re committed to supporting the Italian Army to maximise the benefits of these new helicopters.”

Leonardo: First AW169M delivered to Italy’s Guardia di Finanza

Posted by dgualdo on 14/11/2019
Posted in: Italian Helicopter NEWS, Leonardo Helicopters NEWS. Tagged: , , , , , .
  • By 2024 Guardia di Finanza will have 22 AW169Ms thanks to the contract worth 280 million euros signed at the end of 2018
  • The helicopters will be used for maritime patrol, land reconnaissance and mountain rescue missions, alongside a fleet of 14 AW139s
  • There are more than 90 operative AW169s worldwide, the orders are more than 200 for over 80 customers in 30 different countries to date

PRESS RELEASE – Rome, 14 November 2019

Leonardo has delivered the first of 22 latest-generation AW169M light intermediate twin-engine helicopters for Italy’s Guardia di Finanza.

The handover event was held at Leonardo’s Vergiate plant on 12 November. The initial delivery is linked to a contract worth 280 million euros, which was signed at the end of 2018, it also includes a complete support and training package that could be extended in the future for further services with an additional value of 100 million euros. The AW169Ms will be used for various tasks including: maritime police/patrol, homeland customs security, law enforcement, rescue and other security duties. The delivery of all aircraft is expected to be completed by 2024, complementing a fleet of 14 AW139 intermediate twin helicopters.

The AW169M represents the government variant of the AW169, the future generation helicopter programme developed by Leonardo, equipped with state-of-the-art on-board technologies. To date there are more than 90 operative AW169s worldwide, orders for the helicopter exceed 200 units, from more than 80 customers in 30 different countries. In Italy the AW169 has already proven extremely successful among various operators for EMS duties across the country. There are also various applications for which this helicopter is used particularly VIP-corporate transport, search and rescue activities, government and law enforcement services.

The AW169M obtained the military certification by ARMAEREO (Italian Directorate Air Armaments) in September 2019. The aircraft of Guardia di Finanza will feature a dedicated configuration including: a rescue hoist, an emergency floatation system and life rafts, wire cutters, TCAS II (Traffic Collision Avoidance System), a NVG (Night Vision Goggle) compatible cockpit, HTAWS (Helicopter Terrain Awareness Warning System), an advanced communication system, OPLS (Obstacle Proximity Lidar System), advanced HUMS (Health Usage Monitoring System), AFCS (Automatic Flight Control System) with SAR modes, a searchlight, an ice detector, fast roping, satcom, and provisions for a hyperspectral detection and reconnaissance system. The helicopters will be also fitted with a range of Leonardo systems such as a RW ATOS (Airborne Tactical Observation and Surveillance) system with an advanced operator console, Gabbiano radar, LEOSS (Long Range Electro-Optical Surveillance System), M428 IFF transponder, V/UHF radio systems cockpit panels and lighting.