How the Italian manufacturer Leonardo recently announced that the certifiable performance limit of the AW169 helicopter type has been exceeded for the Austrian Armed Forces version with a skid frame, which is also being introduced in Austria, to 5,100 kilograms gross weight (GVW) or eleven possible seats. This will “meet the changing requirements of the military and civilian market”, according to the press release, and offer “performance and capabilities in higher weight classes at lower costs”.
The improvements and kits developed exploit the inherent growth potential of the rotorcraft model. In detail, it is explained that the 11-seat configuration and – from 2026 – a modular fuel tank now meet higher requirements, particularly in terms of payload, range and compliance with the latest standards. While originally designed to meet government and defense requirements for missions such as troop transport and combat support missions, the extended performance range also meets the evolving requirements of the civil and public service market, for example according to the latest IOGP (International Association of Oil & Gas Producers) Standard 690, an association of offshore (oil rig) producers.
Certifiable from next year
Key factors for the performance enhancement of the AW169 light multi-role helicopter – which expressly does not require any changes to the design of critical components – are the performance enhancement packages, which deliver higher engine and transmission power as well as improved aerodynamics under all conditions and for all applications. Compared to the standard maximum take-off weight of 4,800 kilograms, the additional 300 kilograms available with the 5,100 kilogram IGW kit allows three more passengers to be carried or additional fuel for approximately one more hour of operation. https://militaeraktuell.at/bundeswehr-uebergibt-mantis-systeme-an-die-slowakei/ All existing or currently introducing operators of the version of the type (with skids) can retrofit this IGW configuration and have it certified from 2024. In the future, the helicopters will offer capabilities that are typically only achievable with medium-weight class models with a maximum take-off weight (MTOW) of more than 5.5 tons, but with low operating costs and – compared to older helicopters – the latest safety standards. It also emphasizes greater sustainability in comparison, thanks in part to a more efficient engine, advanced navigation and a modern support and maintenance approach. These latest operational capabilities complement the EASA (European Aviation Safety Agency) certifications and the IFR, single pilot and SAR (Advanced Search and Rescue) modes, both of which were achieved at the end of 2022.
According to army sources, the manufacturer’s planning and preparatory work for the now published performance increase was already known and even part of the considerations concerning this type. This would have applied in particular to the aircraft initially intended for the air police, but in any case it also applies to the MA versions – as HU-169 also for the Italian Army Air Forces – that are to come.
A total of more than 320 civil and military AW169s are currently on order, of which around 170 units have so far been delivered from the final assembly line in Vergiate to operators in more than 30 countries. The global fleet has completed more than 170,000 flight hours in all types of operations and conditions, of which the Swedish leader has exceeded 3,700 flight hours in EMS operations. The Armed Forces initially decided to purchase 18 aircraftAt the end of last year, it also took up an option to purchase a further 18 aircraft. The first helicopter was handed over to the army in December 2022 handed over to the armed forces, The red-white-red armed forces recently received their fifth machine.
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