The AW249 will be equipped with all the latest technological solutions in its market segment benefiting from the extensive operational experience accumulated by Leonardo's AW129 and the company's know-how for this specific type of helicopter.
With a maximum takeoff weight around the 7-8 tons and a payload higher than 1800 kg, the AW249 will have speed and autonomy that will allow it to perform the most complex operations of close air support and escort. The AW249 will be equipped with cutting-edge mission and communication systems and will be able to manage unmanned aircraft. Furthermore, it will be equipped with numerous systems able to increase awareness of the operational situation on the field, thereby reducing the crew workload and increasing safety. Thanks to advanced technologies and its design philosophy, AW249 will benefit from a significant reduction in costs over the entire product life cycle compared to the previous generation helicopters.
In addition to the turret cannon under the nose, the AW249 will have considerable flexibility in the choice of armaments with six attack points for various combinations of airborne or air-to-air missiles, guided or unguided rockets or external fuel tanks. Two powerful engines will allow operations in all environmental conditions (cold or hot, at altitude or at sea).
Leonardo and PGZ can boast several opportunities for dialogue on industrial cooperation in defense and security, with various agreements signed in 2016, 2017 and 2018. The aim of these agreements is to strengthen cooperation between the PGZ Group and Leonardo, particularly in relation to helicopters offered by Leonardo to the Polish Ministry of Defense. Should Leonardo be selected by the Polish Ministry of Defense, the companies of the PGZ Group will take part in the production and maintenance of helicopters for various requirements.
In January 2017 Leonardo signed a multi-year contract with the Italian Ministry of Defense, aimed at satisfying the need of the Italian Army for the replacement of the current AW129 helicopter fleet, whose withdrawal from service is expected by 2026 after more than 35 years of activity. The new program will provide the Italian Army with an even more technologically advanced product, with greater performance and lower operating costs, to meet needs arising from constantly evolving scenarios for the next 30 years.