On December 20, Austrian Defense Minister Klaudia Tanner handed over the first of 18 light multi-purpose helicopters AW169 ordered to the Federal Army. ESuT was informed about the conclusion of the contractreported. On this occasion, the option to order a further 18 AW169 was exercised. This increases the procurement volume to a total of 873 million euros.
The aim is to make the Federal Army more modern and operational. “That’s why we decided on a powerful and versatile multi-purpose helicopter. With the option of an additional 18 helicopters, we are purchasing highly efficient and modern equipment that not only serves the safety of our soldiers, but also the safety of the entire population,” said Defense Minister Tanner.
As the Federal Army writes, twelve helicopters in the AW169B variant (training helicopter) and 24 in the AW169MA variant (tactical helicopter with weapons) as well as a comprehensive support and training package will be delivered to Austria by 2028. The new helicopters are intended to replace the light liaison and transport helicopters “Alouette III”, which will be retired in 2023.
The helicopters are intended for national defense and disaster control tasks – firefighting, mountain rescue and medical evacuation flights. They are intended to be used for transporting people and materials as well as for fire-fighting work. For the latter, a water supply of 1,500 liters can be transported. State-of-the-art avionics make it possible to carry out all operational tasks even at night and in poor weather conditions, the Federal Army continues.
The helicopter was manufactured at Leonardo's Vergiate factory in Italy, Leonardo reported. Austrian crews have already completed their initial training at the Leonardo Training Academy in Sesto Calende (Italy), Leonardo continued. Additionally, the training would be supported by the Italian Army as an AW169M LUH operator.
According to Leonardo, the AW169M is the military variant of the AW169, a new generation of helicopters developed by Leonardo. The on-board technologies meet the latest requirements of international aviation security authorities as well as the standards of the military, homeland security and government users. The unique transmission design supplies the hydraulic, electrical and air conditioning systems with energy even when the rotors are switched off (APU mode).
The “Leonardo AW169” is one of the 5-ton class helicopters. Powered by two engines with a combined 1,652 kW continuous power, the machine reaches a top speed of 270 km/h and can fly over 800 km. The manufacturer specifies a maximum payload of up to two tons. This means a transport capacity of up to twelve people.
According to the Federal Army, 24 machines are to be stationed as training or operational helicopters at the Langenlebarn air base (Lower Austria) and twelve as operational helicopters at the air base north of Aigen/Ennstal (Styria).
Editors / gwh
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