Leonardo (Chalet 244, Static B6) expects to receive certification for its AW169M military helicopter in the coming months, ahead of planned deliveries to launch customer the Guardia di Finanza. The Italian law enforcement agency is set to receive 22 examples of the light intermediate rotorcraft under a €280 million contract signed in 2018 and, according to the company, they will complement the agency’s eventual 14-strong fleet of AW139s, covering both land and maritime operations.
Derived from a civil version of the Pratt & Whitney Canada PW210A-powered helicopter that has seen success in Italy, Norway, Chile, Japan, U.S., UK, South Korea, New Zealand, and Switzerland, the military variant will include the company’s airborne tactical observation and surveillance system with an advanced operator console, the Gabbiano radar, long-range electro-optical surveillance system, M428 IFF transponder, and VHF/UHF radio systems cockpit panels.
It will also have an internal weapon carrying capability for two pintle-mounted 7.62-mm machine guns, with the company claiming that the large cabin doors and stability of the aircraft facilitate sniping missions. The helicopter will also be fitted with an external weapons payload capacity that enables 7.62-mm/12.7-mm machine guns, guided and unguided rockets, and air-to-ground missiles.
The company said it has been developed to the “latest and most stringent” civil certification standards for dual-use, off-the-shelf rotorcraft that will facilitate military and government users being able to support civil operations, including disaster relief, medical evacuation, firefighting, and transport.