Leonardo is displaying the latest skid-equipped version of its AW169 utility helicopter at the Dubai Airshow. It recently delivered the example on show to Italy’s Guardia di Finanza (GdF) and airlifted it to Dubai for the airshow and customer demonstrations within the UAE, including to local operators that fly some 10 of the original wheeled version.
The acquisition of more than 20 AW169s by the GdF, 17 to 18 for the Italian Carabinieri police force, and 50 for the Italian army highlights the AW169’s suitability for government agency operations such as military tasks, law enforcement, and rescue. The type suits civilian offshore support missions.
Leonardo has refined the AW169 since its introduction in 2015, including with improvements in the powertrain that have resulted in an extra 45 shp for each of the two PW210A turboshaft engines. Aerodynamic enhancements, chiefly around the tail area, have improved hover and low-speed stability.
As a result of customer wishes, Leonardo developed a skid undercarriage option, primarily for government and offshore use. The new undercarriage won certification in 2022, and deliveries are now underway. For the next couple of years at least, the skidded version will dominate production as the large Italian orders get filled. The addition of skids and the associated structural strengthening also allow an increase in mtow from 4.8 to 5.1 tonnes. The company expects the change to gain certification—on the skidded version only—by the end of 2024.
The next major planned development involves a redesign that permits the AW169 to carry 11 passengers in the offshore role rather than the current typical maximum of eight. The alterations include a larger cabin with additional exits and redesigned, slightly smaller fuel tanks. The reduced fuel capacity equates to a loss in range of around 75 nm.
Leonardo expects to win certification for the larger-cabin version before the end of 2026, and the company has expressed optimism about achieving good sales. The 11-seat accommodation moves the AW169 into the class of larger helicopters such as the company’s 12- to 15-seat AW139. While it cannot compete with the larger AW139 on longer-range missions, it offers a more cost-efficient alternative for carrying similar passenger numbers over short ranges.
The company plans further avionics updates as part of the Phase 9 upgrade, which remains in development. It hasn't announced any specific improvements as the configuration of Phase 9 has yet to crystallize.
Leonardo has now sold 330 AW169s of all versions, of which it has delivered about 170.