AW249

The AW249 meets emerging requirements for a latest generation combat helicopter to operate in a rapidly evolving battlespace over the next 30 years. The only new combat helicopter currently in design, it will combine advanced technologies, outstanding performance and high survivability, together with low operating costs.

Designed for the future battlespace

The AW249 will be tailored to the future battlespace with an increasing need to team with other platforms in network-centric operations. The aircraft will fuse open systems architecture with growth capabilities, state-of-the-art communications and an advanced battlespace management system. The mission system will enhance situational awareness, reduce pilot workload and increase safety.

Safe and survivable

The helicopter will comply with the most rigorous safety requirements, ensuring high safety and survivability thanks to an advanced integrated defensive aids suite, ballistic tolerance, crashworthiness and low detectability.

Multi-mission capability

With a maximum take-off weight in the range of 7-8 tonnes, the AW249 will combine speed and endurance to perform missions including combat, close air support and armed escort. Powerful engines will enable operations in the most extreme conditions and shipboard operational capability will be designed in from the start. As well as a turreted gun, the AW249 will be equipped with a flexible weapon system.

Main Features
  • Mission system enables teaming with UAVs
  • High speed and endurance to escort transport and multi-role helicopters
  • Lower lifecycle costs than previous generation helicopters thanks to the extensive operational expertise and advanced design philosophy of Leonardo
  • Maximum situational awareness through advanced mission systems (including net-centric capability)
  • Low detectability (e.g. low signature, high agility)
  • Ballistic tolerance (e.g. redundancy, separation of critical systems, dry run capability of drive system, armoured seats, ballistic tolerant fuel tanks)
  • Crashworthiness (e.g. crashworthy airframe, seats and fuel tanks)
  • Six wing store stations for air-to-ground and air-to-air missiles, unguided/guided rockets and external fuel tanks
  • Wing stores capable of carrying mixed/asymmetric weapon loads
  • 20mm nose-mounted turreted gun

Contacts

Leonardo
Via Giovanni Agusta, 520
21017 Cascina Costa di Samarate (VA) – Italy
T: +39 0331 229111
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