The Leonardo AW249 next-generation exploration and escort helicopter had its international public premiere at Eurosatory (Paris, June 17-21) during an official ceremony attended by representatives from industry, Italian Defence, and international delegations.The result of the strong collaboration between the Italian Ministry of Defence and Leonardo, the AW249 (designated AH-249A NEES - Nuovo Elicottero da Esplorazione e Scorta – known as the Fenice [Phoenix]) is a Western clean-sheet combat helicopter design being developed to meet stringent emerging operational requirements for the next 30+ years.To manage a rapidly evolving scenario, the AW249 features a complete open architecture with significant further growth and system/capability adaptation to respond to the demanding market requirements. In addition to high performance (speed, range, power margin and payload, hot & high conditions, maneuverability for nap-of-the-earth flight), core to the AW249 is its ability to be fully integrated and interoperable in the modern multi-domain battlefield (air-land-sea-space-cyber).The AW249 features an advanced large area display human-machine-interface and touch screen/gesture recognition devices in the tandem-seating cockpit and a highly sophisticated Leonardo-developed Battle Management System. Displays and a modern pilot helmet enable the crew to rapidly access critical information on flight, navigation, and the mission provided by multiple sensing and advanced connectivity.The AW249 can perform a variety of missions including aerial escort, close air support, close combat attack, and air interdiction. The helicopter can also act as the information acquisition element of a C4 system (command, control, communications, and computers; intelligence, surveillance, target acquisition, and reconnaissance [ISTAR]), using the surveillance systems (either its own or the ones of cooperating units) to scan the territory, identify ground units (both friend and foe) for its own use, or to disseminate the information through a secure channel to the command & control center to leverage advanced crewed-uncrewed teaming opportunities.Powerful engines enable operations in the most extreme conditions with shipboard operational capability designed-in from the start. The AW249 is equipped with a flexible weapon system that includes guided and unguided 70mm rockets, air-to-air infrared guided missiles, and air-to-ground radio frequency or fiber optic guided missiles in addition to a 20mm 3-barrell Gatling gun. Outstanding survivability leverages an advanced Integrated Defensive Aids Suite (IDAS), together with armored seats and ballistic-tolerant fuel tanks, crashworthiness, and low detectability in addition to superior situational awareness delivered by its navigation and sensor-fusion ability. The AW249 is being developed also with digital simulation capabilities and a state-of-the-art technical support and training service approach in mind, benefitting from high fidelity mission simulation and virtual reality and prescriptive maintenance via data gathering and analysis.Lorenzo Mariani, co-general manager of Leonardo, said, “The AW249 epitomizes the key winning factors and enablers we’ve identified in our defense and security strategy: digital and with a strong use of AI technologies, connected in a multi-domain/net-centric scenario, cyber-protected, with great autonomy, and capable of collaborative operations with remotely piloted systems. All of this is fully embedded into an advanced system leveraging the very best of our competitive position in the rotorcraft and airborne electronics field. This is why we also believe this is a sector we can contribute to a stronger coordinated effort in Europe. We’re confident the AW249’s characteristics and possibilities represent a highly competitive value proposition also for the international market.”  (ICE TORONTO)

Fonte notizia: https://www.aerospacemanufacturinganddesign.com/