In December 2022, the first AW169 helicopter from the Italian Italian manufacturer Leonardo was handed over to the air force. The third “Lion” has now landed in Austria this week. Another three helicopters are expected by the end of the year.
In December of last year, Defense Minister Klaudia Tanner signed the option to purchase a total of 36 helicopters, which will be delivered by 2028. “The modernization of the air force has picked up speed. The new Lion helicopters will further improve the performance of our air force and thus also the protection and safety of the population. It was definitely the right choice to buy a total of 36 helicopters, as the various configurations can cover a wide range of tasks,” said Defense Minister Klaudia Tanner. The multi-purpose helicopter is particularly powerful and therefore also ideally suited for operations in the mountains. It can also fly at night or in poor weather conditions. Its possible uses range from troop transport, disaster relief and emergency measures to firefighting, mountain rescue and medical evacuation flights, as well as protection from the air in the armed version. https://militaeraktuell.at/rheinmetall-man-bis-zu-1-375-lkw-fuer-das-bundesheer/ In addition to the influx of helicopters, investments are also being made in new infrastructure and staff training. While retraining for pilots takes around ten weeks, technical personnel need around six weeks, of which three weeks are theoretical and three weeks are practical training. The Leonardo AW169 is a 5-ton class helicopter powered by two engines with a continuous output of 826 kW each. This enables it to reach a top speed of 270 km/h and fly over 800 kilometers. The maximum flight duration is up to 4 hours and 20 minutes. The helicopter has a payload of up to two tons and can transport up to twelve people. 24 aircraft are stationed in Langenlebarn as training or operational helicopters and twelve operational helicopters in Aigen/Ennstal.
Click here for more news about Leonardo.
