For the For the successor to the Alouette III multi-purpose helicopter of the German Armed Forces three models are being considered: the 429 from Bell, the H-145M from Airbus Helicopters and the AW169 from Leonardo.
Having already spoken to representatives from Airbus in recent weeks (Interview with H-145M program manager Mark Henning) and Bell (interview with Bell European Managing Director Duncan van de Velde) about their models, we now have a Leonardo representative to talk about the Leonardo AW169. We received answers from Cesare Caccia, Vice President EMEA International Campaigns (note: EMEA International Campaigns is part of the Leonardo S.p.A. Helicopter Division Business Organization) via the Salzburg agency P8, which was commissioned by Leonardo.
Mr. Caccia, Leonardo describes the AW169 as a “green all-rounder”. Why?
The AW169 has unique capabilities and systems to deliver high performance while significantly reducing chemical and noise emissions. These include, for example, a variable speed main rotor and the ability to run a single engine on the ground (note: the rotors are stopped to provide power to all main systems on board = APU mode). Advanced navigation, which uses preferred paths and performs precise calculations of routes and consumption before the start of a mission, also ensures much more environmentally friendly usage options.
And what do you think makes the AW169 the best helicopter for the Austrian Armed Forces?
These include its versatility in applications ranging from public service to defense, its high degree of customization, its latest-generation design and its 2015 certification with the highest certification standards. The AW169 is also extremely safe, all systems are crash-proof, it can run for 33 minutes in a dry run and the emergency exit exceeds FAA/EASA requirements In addition, it offers the best performance in terms of payload and more internal volume than other +5-ton helicopters. The type can also be used in various types of landscape or topography, has proven itself particularly in mountainous areas and is ideal for primary and secondary life-saving applications. Thanks to its open architecture, the AW169 also offers growth potential for rescue services in order to meet the evolving requirements over the course of its life cycle. However, the AW169 has already proven itself successfully in Covid-19 emergencies. It has been equipped with specific biocontainment systems to reduce the risk of infection for crew and medical staff when transferring patients. Together with the AW139, it is the only rescue helicopter in the world capable of doing this and this has certainly contributed to its global success among security and armed forces in Europe, America and Asia. Last but not least: The AW169 has already proven itself in the fleet of the Italian Ministry of Defense (note: as AW169B trainer, see picture of the handover below).
You just mentioned it yourself, the AW169 is a helicopter weighing almost five tons. Isn’t that far too heavy to replace an Alouette III?
The global trend in the military market shows a general need for more space, greater payload and higher performance when replacing ageing helicopter types. This is also quite common among law enforcement units and armed forces worldwide. Considering that new investments can ensure a service life of over 30 to 40 years, the AW169’s wide range of missions will enable operators to meet a variety of challenges for decades to come – from rescue flights to firefighting missions and defense operations. In addition, smaller fleets are balanced out by more powerful helicopters in terms of their versatility. This makes the use of larger aircraft sensible and cost-effective.
But wouldn’t a smaller helicopter be better suited for operations in Austria’s high alpine terrain? Initially, the smaller AW109 was also considered a possible successor to the Alouette III.
However, one of the tasks of the Guardia di Finanza (note: financial, customs and border police of the Italian Ministry of Finance), which it carries out with its AW169s, is precisely high-altitude operations. The AW169 was also selected by the Italian army and is mainly used in northern Italy in the Aosta Valley and in the regions of Lombardy. In addition to Italian government operators, several rescue service providers outside Italy also use the AW169 for demanding alpine missions. In addition, one of the most important mountain rescue services in Europe, Swiss Air-Rescue (Rega), has opted for a specially configured version of the AW169. The wide sliding cabin doors, the cabin layout and the luggage compartment capacity were decisive factors in this decision. The new generation AW169 was recently successfully tested during a joint exercise by the Guardia di Finanza and the Italian fire department in the high mountains of northern Italy. In contrast to heavier and larger helicopters, lighter and smaller helicopter types suffer from a number of limitations during rescue and search missions: For example, it is more difficult to open the wing doors for rapid abseiling. The winch operator stands on the sled outside the cabin in a dangerous position and the smaller door dimensions also only allow space for one person during rescue operations. Although the rescue winch can be certified for lifting a load of more than 270 kilograms, a weight reduction is also required in many cases. This results in a maximum permissible elevator capacity of less than 180 kilograms. In addition, there are blocking seats that do not allow easy deployment of troops through rapid abseiling.
Our armed forces want to acquire 18 light multi-purpose helicopters, up to six of which are to be used for training purposes. A ten-seater weighing just under five tons is quite a demanding piece of equipment. Are there ways to make the expected training costs more cost-effective?
Whether it is a fleet with a single model or a division between multi-purpose and training helicopter types is up to the competent authorities to decide. However, the following should be considered: The AW169 has already been selected for training purposes on the world market, including for the Italian Army, and Leonardo has a wide and comprehensive range of training solutions. Everything is highly customizable based on operator demand. Cost-effective and efficient training is also ensured, for example, by using custom-built equipment, including Level-D full flight simulators, whose certification standards equate one simulator flight hour to one hour of real flight. This enables a considerable reduction in costs and increases the quality of training, as the crew can also train critical missions and maneuvers safely
According to calculations by the aviation rating agency Conklin & de Decker, 18 AW169s (with 400 flight hours/year, calculated over 20 years) are considerably more expensive than competitor models. How can the AW169 still be profitable in terms of operating costs?
We confirm that the AW169 has the best price/performance ratio considering its versatility and capacity. The economic data given are generally only calculated figures, taking into account the configuration of the commercial helicopter, which leads to misleading comparisons. It should also be noted that Conkling & de Decker refer to aircraft for civil and not military use and make comparisons with helicopters of a lower weight class with regard to the AW169. In addition, the figures used do not take into account several benefits of the support and mission packages that normally result from contract negotiations with customers when they choose the AW169. The AW169 has already outperformed the competition on several occasions. A thorough assessment of the quality and cost-benefit ratio cannot be made simply by relying on a single source of information. We have several pieces of data that show a much better overall performance of the AW169 – but cannot be disclosed for competitive reasons. In addition, the AW169 can be used more and in a more versatile way than its competitors. When a small fleet of units is required to perform many different demanding missions in the homeland, a single more capable helicopter is more productive and efficient overall. And there is one more thing to mention … Please.
In some cases, other models require an increase in maximum weight of up to 200 kilograms in order to be able to operate in environments similar to those in Austria. However, the calculations considered for the flawed comparison with the AW169 do not reflect this important requirement for competing types.
Where do you see yourself – in relation to other types of helicopter – in terms of value creation using Austrian companies as suppliers, for example?
We will not comment on competing offers on the market. Only this much: Leonardo currently has business relationships and cooperations with several Austrian companies, which represent an important element within our supply chain. Depending on demand, the business and cooperation opportunities could be significantly increased. Leonardo is also in favor of establishing industrial cooperation in order to better serve the end customer. Therefore, we are already in contact with Austrian companies that can offer customized services and prompt support in the country.
Can Leonardo support the Austrian government with further services?
Yes, Leonardo offers all the necessary training services through its training academy and we are able to set up a successful collaboration from Italy for any type of operation and requirement.
Finally, a technical question: When will the series production of AW169 models with skids start and was the desired version with skids offered to the Austrian Armed Forces as part of the official offer?
The AW169 with skids has already been ordered by the Italian army and other Italian government operators. The Italian financial police, for example, will receive the AW169 with skids within the next year. The AW169 with tires has been successfully used by public service operators and government agencies worldwide since 2015. As the skids are another option on the market that demonstrates the extreme versatility of the AW169, any requirement in terms of running gear can be met, including of course for Austria.
Further information
In July, the Italian Army Air Forces received the first of 17 AW169Ms, along with two AW169B (UH-169B) trainers – all with wheeled landing gear. According to the latest ARMAEREO report (Direzione degli Armamenti Aeronautici e per l’Aeronavigabilità/Aeronautical Armaments and Airworthiness Directorate), a further 15 AW169LUHs with skids will be delivered from 2023. However, other customers who also want skids could receive them earlier, according to Leonardo. Since November 2019 and until 2024, the Guardia di Finanza has received a total of 22 AW169Ms with wheeled landing gear.
Further information on skid development can be found in this article. You can also find more news about Leonardo here.
