AW149 Agusta Westland
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AW149 AgustaWestland medium sized multirole twin-engine helicopter
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The AW149 is a medium-lift military helicopter developed and marketed by AgustaWestland. The AW149 answers a growing demand for the next generation, affordable, multi-purpose medium class helicopter, for military and government agencies. Fully digitised and with an open systems architecture (OSA) and fully integrated mission equipment, the AW149 is designed for the modern battlefield. The AW149 was unveiled at the 2006 Farnborough Air Show. Derived from the AW139, the AW149 has a larger fuselage and more powerful engines, resulting in a greater cargo volume and payload carrying ability. The first prototype made its first flight 13 November 2009 from AgustaWestland's Vergiate manufacturing facility in northern Italy. The second prototype, the first with production model engines, made its first flight from Vergiate on 26 February 2011. Four AW149 prototypes have accumulated more than 1 000 flight hours. Production could begin at the end of this year. AgustaWestland is viewing the AW149 as a replacement for the Puma, Mi-8 and UH-1 class of helicopters. |
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With a rugged construction incorporating crashworthy features, such as up to eighteen crashworthy troop seats and excellent access and egress, the AW149 maximises survivability. The large, unobstructed cabin and baggage compartment provides the capability to accommodate up to 16 troops or 12 fully equipped soldiers. With the external cargo hook, up to 2720 kg / 6000 lb of heavy equipment can be transported to the battlefield. The AW149 has large sliding doors on both sides making the AW149 an excellent platform for rapid boarding and egress. This design ensures fast recovery of stretchers on the ground or in flight using the hoist whilst allowing simultaneous cover fire from window-mounted weapons (7.62mm/ 12.7mm machine gun). Low floor height enables ease of loading and unloading cargo through cabin doors. Hard points enable fast roping and rappelling from both sides of the cabin. The cabin layout can be quickly converted to suit changing tasks, such as CSAR, CASEVAC and troop transport. Options range from an 8-man section in full battle order with section support weapons plus two door gunners to 18 soldiers in ferry configuration. Alternatively, the ample space may be utilised for a wide variety of tailored mission and role equipment including NATO standard litters. |
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The ergonomic low-workload, high situational awareness Glass Cockpit philosophy is based upon four large Active Matrix Liquid Crystal Displays (8 x 10 inches) with integral input keys and a track ball on the inter-seat console for rapid selection of functions. Mission capabilities are further supported by a state-of-the-art integrated digital avionics system with powerful mission computers. The ARINC 429 and MIL-STD 1553B data bus, enable easy integration of mission equipment for maximum operational effectiveness. The dual channel Full Authority Digital Engine Control (FADEC) and 4-axis digital AFCS further contribute to reduced pilot workload and increased situational awareness. The AW149’s ergonomic cockpit design, outstanding external visibility, excellent handling characteristics and low vibration levels together with innovative instrument solutions minimise pilot fatigue to allow the crew to concentrate on mission objectives. Advanced open avionics architecture, mission processing, tactical displays and data link ensure the AW149 is fully integrated into today’s Network-Enabled operating environment.
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The AW149 is powered by by two 2 000 shp class GE CT7-2E1 turbines which assures superior performance and controllability in extreme hot-and-high environments or harsh conditions, allowing maximum payloads in all challenging operational theatres. The AW149 delivers best-in-class performance, including superior hover performance, a cruise speed in excess of 150kts, a maximum range greater than 650 nm (1,200 km) and endurance of up to 5 hours.
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For Combat Search And Rescue missions a rescue hoist and other specific mission equipment and armaments can be provided. CSAR crew concept envisages 2 pilots plus 2/4 crew members.
- Rocket launcher 7/12/19 tubes 70/81 mm - Window mounted machine gun 7.62 mm - Machine gun-pod 12.7/20 mm - Machine gun-pod 12.7 mm with 3 tubes 70 mm rockets - Provision for air-to-ground and air-to-air missiles - Self sealing fuel tanks - Ballistic protection - Door mounted machine gun 12.7mm |
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