Finmeccanica-owned AgustaWestland has announced plans to develop the AW149 multi-role battlefield helicopter, a derivative of its AW139 commercial medium twin. With a 7.5t maximum take-off weight, the AW149 will be larger than the 6.4t AW139 and capable of carrying up to 15 fully equipped troops or a 3t payload. Two 2,000shp-class (1,500kW) turboshafts will drive an enlarged main rotor, providing a 160kt (296km/h) cruise speed, 925km (500nm) range and hover out of ground effect at 6,000ft/95°F (1,830m/35°C).
AgustaWestland's UK arm is leading development of the AW149, with a first flight planned for 2009 and deliveries for 2011. The helicopter will have an open-systems avionics architecture with large flat-panel cockpit displays, digital four-axis automatic flight controls and integrated health and usage monitoring. Military features will include crashworthy self-sealing fuel tanks, heavy-duty landing gear and optional rotor de-icing, defence aids and weapon systems.
