Leonardo (AgustaWestland) AW149
Italy (2015)
Detailing the development and operational history of the Leonardo (AgustaWestland) AW149 Medium-Lift Multirole Helicopter.
Entry last updated on 11/18/2017; Authored by Staff Writer; Content ©www.MilitaryFactory.com Leonardo (AgustaWestland) AW149
The AgustaWestland AW149 is being developed specifically for the rigors of military service as a medium-lift platform.
AgustaWestland has developed its AW149 model as a military-minded, medium-lift helicopter, competing with the Eurocopter AS532 "Cougar" Mil Mi-17 "Hip", NH Industries NH90 and the ubiquitous Sikorsky UH-60 "Black Hawk" helicopter lines. The AW189 is its civilian market form - currently in development as of June 2014. The AW149, developed from the preceding (and globally popular) AW139 company model, was first showcased to the public at the 2006 Farnborough Air Show in the U.K. and achieved its first flight on November 13th, 2009.
To date (2016), the AW149 has yet to secure its first customer. Turkish interest eventually sided with the Sikorsky S-70i Black Hawk while the Italians selected the AW139M product. The AW149 may still be secured by the Polish military currently in search for a new multi-role, medium-lift helicopter platform.
Compared to the earlier AW139, the AW149 has been given uprated turboshaft engines in the form of 2 x General Electric CT7-2E1s generating up to 1,980 horsepower each installation. Engineers have increases the aircraft's Maximum Take-Off Weight (MTOW) to reach the required military capabilities found in competing medium-lift types available. Cruising speeds reach in excess of 175 miles per hour, slightly slower than the civilian-minded AW139 product, though the AW149 also carries a larger fuselage structure resulting in increased internal storage space for infantry, cargo and fuel - broadening the tactical capabilities of the helicopter. The aircraft is also laden with integral countermeasures, armor, a reinforced undercarriage and specialized mission equipment for the modern battlefield.
To date (2016), the AW149 has yet to secure its first customer. Turkish interest eventually sided with the Sikorsky S-70i Black Hawk while the Italians selected the AW139M product. The AW149 may still be secured by the Polish military currently in search for a new multi-role, medium-lift helicopter platform.
Compared to the earlier AW139, the AW149 has been given uprated turboshaft engines in the form of 2 x General Electric CT7-2E1s generating up to 1,980 horsepower each installation. Engineers have increases the aircraft's Maximum Take-Off Weight (MTOW) to reach the required military capabilities found in competing medium-lift types available. Cruising speeds reach in excess of 175 miles per hour, slightly slower than the civilian-minded AW139 product, though the AW149 also carries a larger fuselage structure resulting in increased internal storage space for infantry, cargo and fuel - broadening the tactical capabilities of the helicopter. The aircraft is also laden with integral countermeasures, armor, a reinforced undercarriage and specialized mission equipment for the modern battlefield.
Picture of the Leonardo (AgustaWestland) AW149 Medium-Lift Multirole Helicopter
Internally, the AW149 model is crewed by a standard pairing of two pilots. Its cabin space allows for up to eighteen passengers or the equivalent twelve armed, combat-ready troops. The helicopter also features an external cargo-hauling capability, able to carry a sling load of up to 6,000lbs. Externally, the aircraft is of a conventional arrangement with a forward-set, two-seat, side-by-side cockpit behind large windscreen panels and a lengthened nose cone assembly. Entry/exit is by way of hinged automobile-style doors while sliding doors are provided at the passenger cabin sides. Large, rounded-rectangular windows dot the sides of the fuselage. The engines are fitted over the passenger cabin in the usual way and aspirated by side intake openings. The main rotor mast sits low atop the helicopter and drives a four-bladed rotor assembly. This is coupled with a four-bladed tail rotor seated to starboard. Its drive shaft resides within the elevated tail stem. The helicopter sits atop a wheeled undercarriage in a tricycle arrangement, the main legs showcasing single wheels while the nose leg is given a dual-wheel approach. Dimensionally, the aircraft carries a length of 57 feet, 8 inches with a width of 10 feet and height of 16 feet, 10 inches. Its rotor diameter reaches nearly 48 feet. Gross weight is in the vicinity of 18,960lbs.
Depending on the mission role at hand, the AW149 can be armed or unarmed. It has been mocked up with multi-shot rocket pods positioned along optional wingstubs as well as side-window General Purpose Machine Guns (GPMGs) for fire suppression. Mission optics would be housed in a chin fairing as well as the nose assembly.
Depending on the mission role at hand, the AW149 can be armed or unarmed. It has been mocked up with multi-shot rocket pods positioned along optional wingstubs as well as side-window General Purpose Machine Guns (GPMGs) for fire suppression. Mission optics would be housed in a chin fairing as well as the nose assembly.
Leonardo (AgustaWestland) AW149 Cockpit Picture
Leonardo AW149 Specifications
Italy
Year: 2015
Status: Active, Limited Service
Type: Medium-Lift Multirole Helicopter
Manufacturer(s): Leonardo-Finmeccanica (AgustaWestland) - Italy
Production: 2
Supported Mission Types
Air-to-Air
Interception
Unmanned
Ground Attack
Close-Air Support
Training
Anti-Submarine
Anti-Ship
Airborne Early Warning
MEDEVAC
Electronic Warfare
Maritime/Navy
Aerial Tanker
Utility/Transport
Passenger Industry
VIP Travel
Business Travel
Search/Rescue
Recon/Scouting
Special Forces
X-Plane/Development
Crew: 2
Length: 57.64 ft (17.57 m)
Width: 47.90 ft (14.60 m)
Height: 16.86 ft (5.14 m)
MTOW: 18,960 lb (8,600 kg)
Installed Power
2 x General Electric CT7-2E1 turboshaft engines develoong 1,980 horsepower each and driving a five-bladed main rotor and four-bladed tail rotor.
Standard Day Performance
Maximum Speed: 173 mph (278 kph; 150 kts)
Maximum Range: 230 mi (370 km; 200 nm)
Armament
Depending on operator and mission requirement. Assumed 2 x 7.62mm machine guns on pintle-mounts at doors. Also support for rocket pods along optional wingstub assemblies.
Operators List
Thailand
Series Model Variants
• AW149 - Base Series Designation
Supported Weapon Systems
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