Afghanistan: the new Mangusta AW129 "Delta"

09/12/14

New update of the Mangusta AW-129, now called "Delta". The manufacturer is AugustaWestland, an Italian-British multinational company that designs, builds and builds excellent rotary wing aircraft.

The name "Mangusta" was a commercial idea to counter the rival helicopter, the "cobra" (Bell AH-1) of American nationality.

The Mangusta has an extensive history, entered service with the Italian army in the early nineties and had its baptism of fire in Somalia during the "Restore Hope" operation, continuing operations in Angola, Albania, Republic of Macedonia, Kosovo and Iraq.

Returning from the experience in Somalia, we switched from the basic AW129 to the AW129 CBT (combat), the first of which was delivered in 2002 with the introduction of changes and updates.

The main improvements concern the adoption of a 197 mm M20 gun with three rotating barrels Gatling type installed in a turret under the nose, the replacement of the four-blade rotor with one with five blades, the possibility of using 70 mm rockets, better systems flight / night navigation, integration of FIM-92 Stinger or Mistral anti-aircraft missile launchers.

The low weight of 2,5 tons empty, allow it to reach a maximum speed of 158 knots, with a range of 510 km. It is 13,31m long and 3,40m high, with a rotor diameter of 11,90m.

In Italy the Mangusta is designated by the EES Army (Exploration and Escort Helicopter).

Currently the Mangusta are deployed in Afghanistan with the "Fenice" task force.

The rotary wing component, based on the 5th Rgt Aviation of the Army "Rigel", of the Train Advise Assist Command West (TAAC-W), has started testing for the replacement of AW-129 CBT aircraft about a couple of months ago. with the most current AW-129 D.

The updates have been made on the AW-129 CBTs themselves, the change lies in providing greater attention in day and night observation, through the optoelectronic equipment, and in a new laser to designate the objectives.

The main update is therefore the integration between the OTSWS (Observation, Targeting and Spike Weapon System) system with the 20 mm gun. The new OTS system corresponds to the needs created in the new scenarios of use of helicopters, in the presence of friendly / enemy forces operating in mobile positions and close to the civilian population. Therefore, the new system must allow for dedicated logistical support and to meet the differentiation requirements of combatants / non-combatants and friendly / non-friendly objectives. It also provides detection (20 Km.), Recognition (12 Km.), Identification (8 Km.) Capabilities, keeping a safe distance from enemy weapon systems.

As for the weapons system, it has been updated with the Spike-ER air-to-ground missile.

The third generation Spike counter-undercarriage system replaces the current Tow system, outdated in terms of capacity and guidance system.

The Spike provides the Mangusta helicopter with greater combat capability, as it has considerable accuracy capable of engaging targets at a distance greater than the enemy's responsiveness.

The system also allows a reduced exposure of the helicopter to enemy reaction after launch and during the approach phase of the missile thanks to the "fire and forget" capability or in other modes such as "fire, observe and update" and "fire and steer" .

The "fire and forget", is a mode that occurs after having locked the target and launched the missile, allowing the operator to change position.

"Fire, observe and update", with the use of an optical fiber allows the operator to ascertain, update the trajectory or change target.

Finally, the "fire and steer" mode (launch and maneuver) allows, thanks to the optical fiber, the launch of the missile without having locked onto the target, with manual guidance during flight and / or switching to "fire and forget" mode.

The system must have high accuracy with respect to armored vehicles, have a range between 400 and 8.000 meters and sensors that ensure day / night operation and in adverse environmental conditions.

Essential aircraft in operational theaters, they have a very important function to ensure the safety of troops on the ground during operations.

They are the first to leave and the last to return. The patrols on the ground await their signal to be able to start the movement and exit Camp Arena, the last ISAF base of the TAAC-W.

“We guarantee the exploration of the coalition's itinerary and intervene against any threats. Yes, let's say we are indispensable. We escort the coalition troops as well as the Afghan troops. If they need to, we can take off and protect their movement on the ground ”- tells us cap. Andrea Piacitelli, pilot of AW-129 Mangusta.

Communication is fundamental between heaven and earth, they are the indispensable eyes for the safety of so many soldiers who have worked in Afghanistan every day and in these long 13 years and which perhaps will continue for another time.

Giusi Cosentino

(photo of the author)