Leonardo has delivered the first of 22 new generation AW169M twin-engine helicopters destined for the Guardia di Finanza. The delivery, carried out by the Leonardo plant in Vergiate on 12 November, is part of the contract worth 280 million euros, announced at the end of 2018, which provides for the supply of 22 helicopters of this model. The contract also includes a complete support and training package that could be extended in the future for additional services with an additional value of 100 million euros. the AW169Ms will be used for various tasks including patrolling as sea police, control of the territory for economic and financial police needs, competition in public order, rescue and, in general, for a wide range of missions of safety. Delivery of all machines is expected by 2024.
The AW169M is the government variant of the innovative AW169, a new generation product equipped with the best and most modern on-board technologies. To date there are more than 90 AW169 operating in the world, with orders exceeding the 200 units, carried out by more than 80 customers in 30 different countries. The AW169 has already had a significant success in Italy where several operators use it all over the country for helicopter rescue missions. There are also various uses for which this helicopter is used, especially for VIP-Corporate transport, search and rescue, governmental and public order tasks.
The AW169M obtained the military qualification from ARMAEREO (Directorate of Aeronautical Armaments and Airworthiness) in September. The helicopters of the Guardia di Finanza will be equipped with a special configuration including rescue winch, floats and lifeboats, cable cutters, advanced ground proximity and anti-collision systems - also Leonardo designed - cockpit compatible with the use of night vision devices, diagnostic systems, autopilot optimized for search and rescue tasks, search beacon, ice detector, system for rapid descent of personnel for special operations, satellite communications, the possibility of using a hyperspectral system for remote sensing. The helicopters will also be equipped with a wide range of systems and sensors supplied by Leonardo including the RW ATOS mission system with an advanced console, the Gabbiano surveillance radar, the LEOSS electro-optical system, the transponder for friendly identification. / enemy IFF M428, V / UHF communication systems, control panels and lighting systems.
DEEPENING
THEAW169M is the military variant of the new generation twin-engine helicopter from 4,8 tons AW169 designed according to the most stringent EASA requirements for military, public safety and government customers. The AW169M is equipped with extraordinary features in terms of power, agility and maneuverability that allow it to operate in multiple environmental conditions, even at high altitudes and at high temperatures. The main on-board systems can continue to be powered on the ground with stationary rotors, optimizing response times and mission effectiveness. The cabin is the widest in its class and allows you to make the most of the internal volume, allowing rapid reconfigurations based on the type of mission and ease of access. Pilots can benefit from a state-of-the-art avionics component, characterized by the ability to grow its functions based on the evolution of customer needs, including an entirely digital cockpit which, together with the extraordinary external visibility, ensures greater awareness of the context tactical and operational.