AgustaWestland To Display Military Helicopters At Farnborough

Finmeccanica – AgustaWestland will exhibit eight helicopters from its commercial and military helicopters at Farnborough International Air Show.

Military helicopters displayed will include a mock-up of the AW169M light intermediate class helicopter, the naval variant of the AW159, the brand new multi-role AW149 and an AW101 that will soon be delivered to the Italian Air Force. Also on display will be a naval variant of the NH90, produced by NH Industries in which Finmeccanica - AgustaWestland has a 32% stake.

Also on display will be examples of the wide range of customer support and training services Finmeccanica – AgustaWestland is able to offer its customers. These services range from innovative through life support solution to aircraft upgrades, aircrew and technician training courses through to the supply of entire training systems including full flight simulators and training devices.

AW169M is suitable for utility, combat SAR, medical evacuation, advanced training and par public duties, the helicopter features an open architecture avionic system and a range of optional mission equipment.

The AW159 is a multi-role military helicopter that is now replacing Lynx helicopters in service with the Royal Navy and British Army.

The AW149 is a new generation, affordable, multi-purpose medium class helicopter, for military and government applications. It is fully digitized with an open systems architecture (OSA) and fully integrated mission equipment.

Twin engines ensure capability in hot and high conditions. A 4-axis auto-pilot and advanced latest generation avionics system minimizes crew work load. The aircraft can also be configured to carry a variety of weapons and stores on external carriers. The AW149 is suited to battlefield support, combat SAR, reconnaissance, surveillance, medical evacuation, search and rescue (SAR) and command and control support roles.

AW101 is designated the HH-101A “CAESAR” by the Italian Air Force. It is configured for up to five crew members plus 20 fully equipped troops or six crew members plus eight troops for Special Forces operations. The helicopter is also equipped with three M134 7.62 mm pintle mounted Gatling-type machine guns, armored cockpit seats, ballistic protection and an Integrated Electronic Warfare System to provide self-protection against radar, laser and infrared threats.

The HH-101A comes with an air-to-air refueling probe for extended range operations.   AW101 helicopters perform roles include Personnel Recovery, Special Forces Operations, SAR, Combat SAR, utility, troop transport, Anti-Surface Warfare, Anti-Submarine Warfare, Airborne Early Warning, mine sweeping and VVIP transport.