Leonardo announced the delivery of the first of the two AW169 twin-engine helicopters for basic training for the Italian Army during an official ceremony held at the base of the 2nd Army Aviation Regiment "Sirio", in Lamezia Terme, in the presence of representatives of the Armed Force and the Company. The delivery of the second helicopter is expected in the coming months.
The introduction of the new generation training helicopter (called UH-169B) allows the Italian Army to prepare crews for the future operational passage on the new advanced multirole Light Utility Helicopter (LUH), developed on the basis of the AW169 ' dual-use ', a program aimed at further modernizing and rationalizing the helicopter fleet of the Armed Force. Together with the two training AW169, which will facilitate the familiarization process of the Italian Army with the basic characteristics of the machine during the development of the new LUH, Leonardo is provided with a complete package of logistical support and training for pilots and maintenance personnel.
The LUH program aims to progressively replace several models in service for some time now such as the A109, AB206, AB205, AB212 and AB412 to respond to the evolution of operational requirements and benefits from a chain more efficient logistics being based on a single new type. The introduction of the AW169 LUH, developed specifically for the Italian Army benefiting from the base represented by the AW169M military helicopter, also makes it possible to take advantage of logistical, operational, technical, certification and training synergies in view of the progressive growth of the fleet of AW169 of government operators in Italy. This aspect reinforces the possibility of performing effective and safe joint operations with other users of this modern helicopter model and represents an important qualitative leap in terms of national security, emergency response capacity and cost / effectiveness for managing the entire cycle. of product life for the next decades. The AW169 LUH program features an advanced multi-role configuration equipped with dedicated flight and mission systems, including, to name a few, runners and an advanced command, control and communication system to ensure full interoperability with other NATO assets.
Gian Piero Cutillo, Managing Director of Leonardo Elicotteri, said: "We are pleased to celebrate with the Italian Army the delivery of their first AW169 in training configuration as the first important support element in view of the implementation of the new and wider program. LUH. This program will certainly represent the beginning of a new era of capability, technical support, flexibility and interoperability in the light helicopter category. The new program takes advantage of the many decades of successful collaboration and continuous exchange of information with the Armed Force, aimed at fully understanding the changing operational needs and how to address them through the possibilities offered by new technologies. We are committed to supporting the Italian Army to ensure that it can derive maximum benefit from the new helicopters ”.
Deepening
THEAW169M is the military variant of the latest generation AW169 twin-engine helicopter, designed according to the latest FAR / JAR / EASA requirements and the standards of military, public safety and government operators. The machine is characterized by exceptional levels of power, agility and maneuverability, which provide extraordinary qualities of controllability in a wide range of operating conditions, even in the presence of high temperatures and at altitude. The exclusive design of the propulsion system allows to power all the main systems with stationary rotors (APU mode - Auxiliary Power Unit), optimizing response times and operational availability. The cabin is the most spacious in its class and ensures quick reconfiguration and ease of entry. Pilots benefit from the latest generation of open architecture avionics, including a fully digital cockpit and unprecedented levels of external visibility, ensuring advanced tactical and operational awareness. To date, over 220 AW169 helicopters have been ordered by customers around the world, including military operators, law enforcement and utility operators to carry out a wide range of missions including utilities, surveillance, special operations, patrolling. maritime, land reconnaissance, training, rescue and fire fighting.