Leonardo announced this morning that it is selling 22 new AW169M medium twin-engine helicopter’s to Italy’s state Guardia di Finanza for an initial $315.5 million including support and training. The deal could be worth another $112 million if the support package is extended. Deliveries will start next summer and are expected to be completed by 2024. The aircraft will be used to perform missions including patrol and reconnaissance, law enforcement, search and rescue, and homeland security. They will join a fleet of 14 AW139 intermediate twins, six of which are already in service and the following eight due to be delivered in 2019. The Guardia di Finanza maintains more than 100 aircraft and is responsible for patrolling Italy’s territorial waters and addressing financial crime and smuggling. The AW169Ms for the Guardia di Finanza will receive a military qualification by the Italian Directorate of Air Armaments (ARMAEREO) and will feature a dedicated configuration including rescue hoist, emergency floatation system and life rafts, wire cutters, TCAS II (Traffic Collision Avoidance System), NVG (Night Vision Goggle) compatible cockpit, HTAWS (Helicopter Terrain Awareness Warning System), advanced communication system, OPLS (Obstacle Proximity Lidar System), advanced HUMS (Health Usage Monitoring System), AFCS (Automatic Flight Control System) with SAR modes, searchlight, ice detector, fast roping and satcom. The aircraft will be also fitted with a range of Leonardo systems such as RW ATOS (Airborne Tactical Observation and Surveillance) system with an advanced operator console, Gabbiano radar, LEOSS (Long Range Electro-Optical Surveillance System), M428 IFF transponder, V/UHF radio systems cockpit panels and lighting and provisions for SPHYDER (Smart Processing Hyperspectral Detection and Reconnaissance System).
“This contract will allow us to deliver the Guardia di Finanza a new generation helicopter with the best technologies available, to perform missions which are getting more and more complex and challenging. Our ability to provide state-of-the-art products to meet the requirements of Italian government agencies and armed forces, for the security of our nation, is the result of Leonardo’s leading edge technology and innovation”, said Alessandro Profumo, Leonardo CEO.