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The Leonardo AW169 is a large multi-role utility twin-turboshaft Transport Category helicopter in the 4.6 tonne class,
accommodating 8 passengers and 1 or 2 crew. The AW169 is a conventional configuration helicopter having a 5-bladed fully
articulated interblade main rotor, an antitorque three bladed fully articulated tail rotor and a tricycle retractable wheel
landing gear. The AW169 has a fully digital glass cockpit. Development of the aircraft started in 2010 as the AgustaWestland AW169;
a derivative of the successful six ton AgustaWestland AW139 helicopter, sharing a large level of commonality across both components
and the cockpit configuration. The AW169 is powered by a pair of Pratt & Whitney Canada PW210A Fadec-controlled turbine engines. The
first of three prototypes AW169 (AC1 c/n 69002) I-EASF flew first at the Agusta Cascina Costa di Samarata plant in Italy, on 10 May 2012.
The pre-serie helicopter (AC4 c/n 69005) I-AWCM flew on 31 January 2013. EASA certification was awarded on 15 July 2015. In January 2015,
the assembly of the first production aircraft (c/n 69006) began in Vergiate, Italy. Leonardeo has dropped its plans to build the AW169 in
the USA.
The Leonardo AW169M (Multiruolo, Multirole) is the multirole variant of the AW169, developed by Leonardo and equipped with onboard technologies designed to the
latest FAR/JAR/EASA requirements and those standards of military, homeland security, and government users. The platform features outstanding
power, agility, and maneuverability, which provides excellent handling characteristics in a wide range of operating conditions, including hot
and high. The transmission design provides power to hydraulic, electrical, and air conditioning systems with the rotors stopped (APU mode),
optimizing response time and availability. The spacious cabin features a constant height cross section for rapid reconfiguration and ease of
access.
The Leonardo AW169MA (Multiruolo Avanzato, Multirole Advanced) is the militarised variant UH-169 LUH for the
Italian Army, with adaptations for troop transport, utility support, maritime patrol, armed reconnaissance and close air support operations.
Over 320 AW169 helicopters have now been ordered by customers all over the world.
The ICAO Aircraft Type Designator with Wake Category used to classify aircraft types for the AW169 helicopters is A169 |
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On 24 January 2023, the Leonardo AW 169M serial MM82055/507, was handed over at the Vergiate plant to the Guardia di Finanza (GdiF). the Guardia di Finanza (GdiF).
The name Guardia di Finanza raises questions, but further information at the Guardia di Finanza about the task of the helicopters provides a definitive answer: it
is in fact the border guard. The MH-169A (local designation of the AW169M) MM82055/507 is equipped with skids and a clearly visible adaptation to its horizontal
stabilizer. At either end, the vertical fins curve inwards. The Leonardo AW 169M serial MM82055/507 (s/n 72005) is part of a fleet of 24 units, including
six with a fixed landing gear, codes 501 to 506, and eighteen with skids, codes code 507 to 524. The GdiF MH-169As supplement the fleet of twenty
Leonardo PH-139D (local designation of AW139). Next to the serial of the MM82055 [ex CSX82055] 507 is given, this stands for GF-507
(Guardia di Finanza). The MM used in the serialnumber is in fact M.M. (Matricola Militare).
The Leonardo MH-169As are used for various tasks including patrolling as sea police, territorial control for economic-financial police needs, public order,
rescue and other security missions.
On 2 November 2024, the 2022-built Leonardo AW169M MM82055/507 of the Guardia di Finanza was seen at Heliport Amsterdam (EHHA)
when on its way to EUROPEAN ROTORS 2024 in the RAI Amsterdam. |
