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Leonardo deal for 22 AW169Ms

November 14, 2018  By Helicopters Staff

Leonardo reached a deal with Italy’s Guardia di Finanza – a law enforcement agency under the authority of the Minister of Economy and Finance – for 22 AW169M twin engine helicopters. The AW169M is the military variant of Leonardo’s new generation AW169 4.8t twin-engine helicopter.


Guardia di Finanza’s 22 AW169Ms are to join a fleet of 14 AW139 intermediate twins. (Photo: Leonardo)

The contract, valued at 280 million euro, includes a support and training package that can be extended with optional services valued at an additional 100 million euro. Deliveries of the AW169Ms are expected to start in summer 2019 and to be completed by 2024.

The aircraft, explains Leonardo, will be used to perform a range of roles including patrol and reconnaissance, law enforcement, rescue and homeland security. The new AW139s will join a fleet of 14 AW139 intermediate twins, six of which are already in service, with the remaining eight AW139 due for delivery in 2019.

“Our ability to provide state-of-the-art products to meet the requirements of Italian government agencies and armed forces, for the security of our nation, is the result of Leonardo’s leading-edge technology and innovation,” said Alessandro Profumo, Leonardo CEO.

The AW169Ms for Guardia di Finanza are to receive a military qualification by the Italian Directorate of Air Armaments (ARMAEREO) and will feature a dedicated configuration, including: rescue hoist, emergency floatation system and life rafts, wire cutters, TCAS II (Traffic Collision Avoidance System), NVG (Night Vision Goggle) compatible cockpit, HTAWS (Helicopter Terrain Awareness Warning System), advanced communication system, OPLS (Obstacle Proximity Lidar System), advanced HUMS (Health Usage Monitoring System), AFCS (Automatic Flight Control System) with SAR modes, searchlight, ice detector, fast roping and satcom.

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The aircraft will be also fitted with a range of Leonardo systems such as RW ATOS (Airborne Tactical Observation and Surveillance) system with advanced operator console, Gabbiano radar, LEOSS (Long Range Electro-Optical Surveillance System), M428 IFF transponder, V/UHF radio systems cockpit panels and lighting and provisions for SPHYDER (Smart Processing Hyperspectral Detection and Reconnaissance System).

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