Leonardo AW169’s skidded capabilities to grow further
The 5,100kg increased gross weight (IGW) will meet the evolving needs of the military and civil markets
The AW169 light intermediate twin-engine helicopter’s operational capabilities and range of options will grow further with the launch of a 5,100kg IGW kit.
The 5,100kg kit for the AW169 skid version will also respond to evolving civil and public service market needs, leveraging multiple operational and performance benefits. Compared with the standard 4,800kg maximum takeoff weight, the extra 300kg available allows the embarkation of three more passengers or the addition of fuel for approximately one hour of operations. Existing operators of the type’s version with skids will be able to retrofit the 5,100kg IGW kit to enhance their aircraft’s capabilities.
The certification of the IGW is expected in 2024 while the 11-seater configuration with new modular fuel tank is planned for certification in 2026.
These latest operational capabilities will add to the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) certifications of the skid undercarriage and unique instrument flight rules (IFR), single pilot, and advanced search and rescue (SAR) modes, both achieved in late 2022. With the skid configuration certification, the AW169 became the only modern CS29- certified aircraft able to offer all undercarriage solutions. It is also the only helicopter in its weight category that features advanced SAR modes.
The introduction of the AW169 has expanded Leonardo’s presence in the emergency medical service market and added more operators for law enforcement, disaster relief, and firefighting duties. Its dual-use design has responded to a range of government, homeland security and defense requirements for missions like surveillance, troop transport, combat operations, disaster relief and emergency response, firefighting, training, mountain rescue, and medevac.