With no publicity from the company, the second AW249 prototype flew on March 19 at Leonardo Helicopters’ Vergiate plant.
The AW249 NEES (for Nuovo Elicottero da Esplorazione e Scorta, or New Exploration and Escort Helicopter), is a heavy combat helicopter being developed by Leonardo Helicopters as a replacement for the Italian Army’s AW129D Mangusta. The first prototype (registration CSX82069) of this new model, first flew in August 2022.
The second prototype (registration CSX82097) has already flown painted in the Italian Army’s standard dark green color scheme. A third prototype is expected to have its maiden flight during the next few months.
There are no noticeable external differences between the two aircraft, but it is understood that there must be some minor internal changes.
AW249 Fenice
As revealed some time ago by General Andrea Di Stasio, commander of Italian Army Aviation, the AW249 will be called «Fenice» (Italian for «Phoenix»), and is set to replace the AW129D Mangusta in the ranks of the Italian Army from 2025.
According to Leonardo’s website, the Fenice is the only new combat helicopter currently being designed and will combine advanced technologies, exceptional performance and survivability, along with reduced operating costs.
Cooperative combat
Designed with network-centric operations in mind, the AW249 will merge an open systems architecture with growth capabilities, state-of-the-art communications and an advanced battlespace management system. The mission system will improve situational awareness, reduce pilot workload and increase safety.
Safe and survivable
The helicopter will enjoy high safety and survivability thanks to an advanced integrated suite of defensive aids, ballistic tolerance, crashworthiness and low detectability.
Multi-mission capability
With a maximum take-off weight of between 7 and 8 tons (for comparison, the AH-64E Apache Guardian has a MTOW of 10,432 kg, but twice that of an AW129), the AW249 will combine speed and endurance to perform combat, close air support and armed escort missions.
Powered by a pair of GE Aerospace CT7 engines of 2,500 hp (1,860 kW) each, the AW249 also utilizes the dynamic components of the AW149 transport, allowing it to operate in the most extreme conditions.
In addition to a 20 mm multi-tube gun, the AW249 will be equipped with a flexible armament system, distributed over six hardpoints on the wings for air-to-ground and air-to-air missiles, unguided/guided rockets and external fuel tanks. Its design allows it to carry mixed/asymmetric weapons loads.
