The AW-249 next-generation helicopter had its international premiere at the EUROSATORY 2024 Defence and Security Exhibition.  

The platform is a result of the collaboration between the Italian Ministry of Defence and Leonardo. 

According to the company, the AW-249 (designated AH-249A NEES – Nuovo Elicottero da Esplorazione e Scorta – known as the ‘Fenice’) is the only Western combat helicopter design in development to meet emerging operational requirements as well as a gradual evolution of military vertical lift.

The AW-249 features a completely open architecture with significant further growth and system/capability adaptation to respond to the market requirements. 

In addition to enhancing speed, range, power margin and payload, Hot&High conditions, and maneuverability for nap-of-the-earth flight), core to the AW-249 is its ability to be fully integrated and interoperable in the modern multi-domain battlefield (air-land-sea-space-cyber). 

Also read: “AEGIS” | The Fire Service acquires three new Leonardo AW139 helicopters

Its interior features an advanced large area display human-machine-interface and touch screen/gesture recognition devices in the cockpit and a highly sophisticated Leonardo-developed Battle Management System. Displays and a modern pilot helmet enable the crew to rapidly access critical information on flight, navigation and the mission provided by multiple sensing and advanced connectivity.   

The AW-249 can perform a variety of missions including aerial escort, close air support, close combat attack and air interdiction. The helicopter can also act as the information acquisition element of a C4 system (ISTAR), using the surveillance systems (either its own or the ones of cooperating units) to scan the area of interest, identify ground units (both friend and foe) for its own use or to disseminate the information through a secure channel to the Command & Control Centre. 

Therefore, the AW-249 best leverages the advanced Crewed-Uncrewed teaming opportunities.

In terms of armament, the AW-249 is equipped with guided and unguided 70 mm rockets, air-to-air infrared-guided missiles, and air-to-ground radio frequency or fiber optic guided missiles in addition to a 20 mm 3-barrel Gatling gun. 

Also read: DSEI 2023 | Leonardo showcases AW-149 armed with Hellfire missiles

AW-249’s specifications:

• Max Take-off Weight: 8,300 kg  
• Payload: 2,800 kg  
• Engine: AEO Take-Off 2 x 126% 3,148 HP / AEO Max Continuous Power 2 x 116% 2,907 HP
• Length: 17.63 m 
• Height: 4.26 m  
• Width: 4.60 m 
• Rotor Diameter: 14.60 m 
• Cruise Speed: 287 km/h 
• Range: 796 km 
• Endurance: 4 h 5 m
• T/O & Landing Ceiling: 1000 ft ÷15,000 ft
• Flight Ceiling: 20,000 ft
• Rate Of Climb: 2,350 ft/min

Regarding survivability, the system leverages its advanced Integrated Defensive Aids Suite (IDAS), together with armoured seats and ballistic tolerant fuel tanks, low detectability and superior situational awareness delivered by its navigation and sensor-fusion ability. 

The AW-249 is being developed also with digital simulation capabilities and a state-of-the-art technical support and training service approach in mind, benefitting from high-fidelity mission simulation and virtual reality and prescriptive maintenance via data gathering and analysis, among others.   

The AW-249 is being developed to replace the Italian Army’s AW-129 fleet which is nearing the end of its life-cycle. An AW-249 prototype carried out its maiden flight in summer 2022. Four prototypes have been built since then, with two helicopters involved in performance, system integration and payload testing and two more are now completed and to start testing soon. 

The production contract is expected soon, with deliveries to the Italian Army to begin in 2027. The AW-249 shall also be available for the export market, yet no intention for its coproduction has been announced, as was the case with the AW-129 helicopters that Turkey produces under the name T-129 ATAK.

Also read: AW-139 | Search and Rescue 24/7/365 for Cyprus – Interview with Leonardo’s representative at DEFEA 2023