Leonardo today announced the signing of a contract with the Guardia di Finanza for 22 next-generation twin-engine helicopters AW169M. The contract, worth 280 million euros, also includes a complete support and training package that could be extended in the future with additional services worth up to 100 million. Deliveries will start in the summer of 2019 and will end in 2024. The helicopters will be used for different tasks including patrolling and reconnaissance, public order, rescue and security missions by joining the fleet of 14 AW139, of which you are already in service and eight in delivery next year.
"This contract will allow us to provide the Guardia di Finanza with a new generation helicopter equipped with the best on-board technologies that can be exploited to carry out increasingly complex and challenging missions. Our commitment to providing innovative products that meet the needs of Italian Corps and Armed Forces is the contribution that a leading company in technology and innovation like Leonardo can offer for the security of our country"Commented Leonardo's Managing Director, Alessandro Profumo.
The AW169M of the Guardia di Finanza will get the military qualification from ARMAEREO and will be equipped with a special configuration including rescue winch, floats and lifeboats, cutters, advanced systems of proximity to the ground and anti-collision - even Leonardo design - cockpit compatible with the use of night vision devices, diagnostic systems, autopilot optimized for search and rescue tasks, searchlight, ice presence detector, system for rapid descent of personnel for special operations, satellite communications. The helicopters will also be equipped with a wide range of systems and sensors supplied by Leonardo including the ATOS RW mission system with an advanced console, the Gabbian surveillance radar, the LEOSS electro-optic system, the transponder for friend detection / enemy IFF M428, V / UHF communication systems, control panels and lighting systems and the possibility to use the hyperspectral system for remote sensing SPHYDER.
