AW249 Fenice, the new attack helicopter for the Italian Army is on its way

The Italian Army has officially begun the acquisition of the first batch of attack helicopters AW249 Phoenixa next-generation platform intended to replace the outdated AW129 Mongoose, in service for over thirty years. This first group of aircraft is part of an initiative that includes the production of up to 48 unitsdeveloped by the Leonardo Agusta, with the aim of modernising the Italian Army's assault fleet. The AW249 Fenice was first presented in 2017 and its initial phase involves 17 exemplarswhose delivery will start in 2027.

AW249 Fenice: the new generation combat helicopter

The AW249 is a next-generation attack helicopter, designed to operate in modern and evolving warfare scenarios. It is the only helicopter currently under design that combines cutting-edge technologies, high performance and high survivability, while maintaining low operating costs. Designed to respond to new tactical requirements and to integrate with other platforms, the AW249 can operate in synergy with air and ground assets, including unmanned aerial systems (UAS).

This helicopter combines advanced communication technologies, a sophisticated battlefield management system and an evolutionary capability that will allow it to integrate future equipment and weaponry. Advanced avionics and mission systems improve operational awareness, reducing pilot workload and increasing safety during operations.

Protection and survival in combat

The AW249 features an advanced integrated self-defense system, designed to ensure high survivability in the most demanding theaters of operation. Its protection features include a hardened transmission, capable of continuing to operate for 50 minutes even in the absence of lubrication, armored seats to ensure crew protection, high ballistic tolerance fuel tanks capable of withstanding direct impacts and a hardened structure designed to absorb high impacts and reduce detectability to enemy radar.

With a maximum take-off weight of 8.3 tonnes, The AW249 is capable of operating with drones and unmanned aircraftensuring high speed, autonomy and versatility. Its capabilities make it ideal for armed escort missions, close air support, air interdiction, reconnaissance, surveillance and target acquisition. Thanks to its powerful engines, it is capable of operating in extreme weather conditions and conducting naval missions, with built-in capabilities to operate as a naval unit right from the design stage.

Performance and operational capabilities

The AW249 Fenice has been developed to ensure high-level performance. It is 18 meters long, has a wingspan of 15 meters, a two-seater cockpit and a maximum payload of approximately 1,800 kg. It is powered by two General Electric CT7-8E6 turboshafts, each with 2,500 hp, and is capable of reaching a maximum speed of 155 knots (287 km/h - 178 mph) with a range of up to 430 nautical miles (796 km – 495 miles).

It can operate up to an altitude of 6,096 meters (20,000 feet) with a maximum operational endurance of approximately four hours. The AW249 Fenice is a natural evolution of the AW149 model, which in turn derives from the AW129 Mangusta. One of the most significant upgrades concerns the autonomy, increased to three hours, so as to allow coordinated operations with the NH-90 and CH-47 of the Italian Army, maintaining a coherent formation during missions.

Armament and warfare capability

The AW249 features a flexible weapon system, capable of adapting to different operational scenarios and mission configurations. Its armament includes a 20 mm TM197B Gatling gun with a high rate of fire, 70 mm guided and unguided rockets ideal for precision strikes and close support, infrared-guided air-to-air missiles for engaging aerial targets and air-to-ground radio-frequency or fibre-optic guided missiles, designed to destroy armoured vehicles with millimetre precision. Thanks to the combination of firepower, speed, range and endurance, the AW249 is configured as a flagship asset for the Italian Armed Forces, ready to respond to the operational challenges of the future with an unprecedented combat capability.

Source: https://helicopters.leonardo.com/it/products/aw249