The AW159 designed from concept as a Multi-Role ‘organic air’ helicopter with excellent Ship/Air Interface characteristics and compact dimensions for single spot deck operations. 
The helicopter has capability to conduct Intelligence, Surveillance, Target Acquisition and Reconnaissance (ISTAR), Maritime (MIOPS), Anti-Surface Warfare (ASuW), Anti-Submarine Warfare (ASW), Logistics Support and Search and Rescue (SAR) operations. 
The AW159 interfaces seamlessly with uncrewed systems, providing Force persistence during extensive and complex operations within the Maritime domain.

The fully integrated mission systems, role installable Mission Role Kits and  weapons, torpedoes, air to surface missiles and crew-served heavy machine gun, enable the AW159 to conduct multi-domain Find, Fix and Strike operations. 
The Integrated systems and Human Machine Interface (HMI), enables efficient collection, processing and assessment of information to optimize crew situational awareness and tactical advantage. 

The robust design, compact dimensions, high thrust margins and excellent control response deliver excellent pilot control capability during embarked operations from single spot combatants in adverse weather conditions. 
The AW159 has a Deck Lock (‘Harpoon’) system and negative thrust capability to enable maximum safety during deck operations in sea conditions up to Sea State 6.

The AW159 is capable of performing Armed Reconnaissance Helicopter (ARH) operations: Intelligence, Surveillance, Target Acquisition and Reconnaissance (ISTAR), Command and Control (C2), Troop / Specialist Team Insertion, Combined Air Operations (COMAO) Protection / Escort, Targeting for ‘Fires’ and Fire Support / Threat Suppression. Additional roles include Medical Evacuation (MEDEVAC), Search and Rescue (SAR) and Logistics Support.
Available cabin space provides additional operational flexibility, than normally afforded by dedicated Attack Platforms, with option to equip the helicopter with auxiliary fuel tanks without compromising weapon carriage. It also enables secondary role capability such as movement of specialist teams and materiel. 

Modern mission sensors afford excellent tactical and threat awareness at standoff ranges within contested environments. Following threat assessment at range, if armed, the AW159 can deliver attack capability against Asymmetric, Armoured and Fortified targets. 
The integrated Tactical Data Link (TDL) and optional video downlink enable the AW159 to disseminate information across the digital battlespace and conduct collaborative operations with uncrewed systems.

To maximize operational effectiveness, the AW159 has a low maintenance burden when conducting deployed field operations with minimum personnel and equipment.
The AW159 has a sophisticated, fully integrated analysis and diagnosis system for potential failures. Digital technical publications are available to operators, reducing intervention times and containing costs during deployed operations.

Photo credit to Andy Walker Photography