The New Combat Helicopter
The New Combat Helicopter
The AW249 is the next-generation combat helicopter designed to operate in the challenging modern battlefield scenarios to provide mission effectiveness. The helicopter represents a step change in technology and capabilities, ensuring operational superiority at all times.
The AW249 is the only helicopter currently in the design phase that combines state-of-the-art technologies, outstanding performance and survivability along with low operating costs.
Missions & Features
Designed to dominate future battlefield operations
The AW249 is tailored to the future battlespace and is fully equipped to provide advanced net-centric capabilities for Multi-Domain operations. Interoperable with all air and ground assets, including Uncrewed Aircraft Systems (UAS), and different air launched effectors (to include control hand over), the aircraft fuses open systems architecture with growth capabilities, state-of-the-art communications and an advanced battlespace management system. Mission systems enhance situational awareness, reduce pilot workload and increase safety.
Safe and survivable
The helicopter complies with the most rigorous safety requirements of the European Defence Agency, NATO and EASA standards, ensuring high safety and survivability. It features passive and active self-protections based on latest technologies , run dry main gearbox capability (50 min), armoured seats and ballistic tolerant fuel tanks, together with superior crashworthiness and low detectability.
Multi-mission capability
With a maximum take-off weight of 8.3 tonnes, the AW249 combines high speed and endurance to operate missions including aerial escort, close air support, and air interdiction. The AW249 performs unmatched nap-of-the-earth-flight, due to improved agility and situational awareness. Sensor fusion provides a state-of-the-art degraded visual environment mode. The AW249 is equipped with a flexible weapon system that includes guided and unguided 70mm rockets, air-to-air infrared guided missiles, and air-to-ground radio frequency or fibre optic guided missiles and 20 mm gimballed gun with proven effectiveness and precision.
