Leonardo Showcases AW249 Helicopter’s Next Gen Design and Capabilities at Eurosatory
The AW249 'Fenice' is a next-generation exploration and escort helicopter developed by Leonardo in collaboration with the Italian Ministry of Defence, designed for advanced multi-domain operations and set to replace the AW129 fleet.
The AW249, officially designated as the AH-249A NEES (Nuovo Elicottero da Esplorazione e Scorta) and also known as the 'Fenice', made its international debut at Eurosatory in Paris from June 17-21. This next-generation exploration and escort helicopter is a result of collaboration between the Italian Ministry of Defence and Leonardo. It is the only Western clean-sheet combat helicopter design, developed to meet the evolving operational requirements for the next 30+ years.
Advanced Features and Capabilities
The AW249 boasts an open architecture that allows for significant growth and adaptability to meet market demands. Its high performance includes impressive speed, range, power margin, payload capacity, and maneuverability in various conditions. This helicopter is designed for full integration and interoperability in modern multi-domain battlefields encompassing air, land, sea, space, and cyber environments.
Lorenzo Mariani, Co-General Manager of Leonardo, emphasized the AW249’s advanced features like digital integration, strong AI usage, and cyber protection. Gian Piero Cutillo, Managing Director of Leonardo Helicopters, highlighted the AW249’s advanced technologies and mission capabilities, thanks to collaboration with the Italian Army.
The AW249 includes a sophisticated human-machine interface with large area displays, touch screen, and gesture recognition devices in its tandem-seating cockpit. A Leonardo-developed Battle Management System enhances mission effectiveness by providing rapid access to critical information via advanced connectivity and multiple sensors.
Mission Versatility
This helicopter is capable of performing various missions such as aerial escort, close air support, close combat attack, and air interdiction. It can also act as an information acquisition element within a C4 system, leveraging surveillance systems for territory scanning and unit identification. The AW249’s crewed-uncrewed teaming capabilities are a significant advantage in modern warfare scenarios.
Armament and Survivability
The AW249 is equipped with a flexible weapon system that includes 70mm rockets, air-to-air infrared guided missiles, air-to-ground radio frequency or fiber optic guided missiles, and a 20mm 3-barrel Gatling gun. Its survivability features include an Integrated Defensive Aids Suite (IDAS), armored seats, ballistic-tolerant fuel tanks, and crashworthiness. Enhanced situational awareness is provided by advanced navigation and sensor-fusion technology.
Development and Future Prospects
The AW249 is in development to replace the Italian Army’s aging AW129 fleet, with a maximum take-off weight of 8.3 tons. A prototype made its maiden flight in summer 2022, and four prototypes have been built since. Two prototypes are currently involved in performance, system integration, and payload testing, with two more to start testing soon. Production contracts are anticipated shortly, with deliveries to the Italian Army expected to begin in 2027. The AW249 is also available for export, promising a modern,
