The AW149 the helicopter the Air Corps should be flying.

[corsair]

Another recycled Lynx for the Brits. Surely it's time to move on.


Here it is the the properly militarised AW139 known as the AW149. This is the helicopter the Air Corps actually wanted and needed. But now they'll have to make do with a Gucci Executive helicopter until they wear out. Not only that they'll probably remain one of the very few 139s in military use. 

http://www.agustawestland.com/product/aw149

The AW149 answers a growing demand for the next generation, affordable, multi-purpose medium class helicopter, for military and government agencies. Fully digitised and with an open systems architecture (OSA) and fully integrated mission equipment, the AW149 is designed for the modern battlefield. With a rugged construction incorporating crashworthy features, such as up to eighteen crashworthy troop seats and excellent access and egress, the AW149 maximises survivability. Twin engines ensure high performance in hot and high conditions. A 4-axis auto-pilot and advanced latest generation avionics system serves to minimise crew work load. The aircraft can also be configured to carry a variety of weapons and stores on external carriers. The AW149 is suited to battlefield support, combat SAR, reconnaissance, surveillance, medical evacuation, search and rescue (SAR) and command and control support roles.

That's exactly what the Air Corps wanted but no they now have to spend the next 20 flying around in a executive helicopter painted green.

[CK]

Judging from the photos of the AW149. That is a helicopter you would be proud of to have on the tarmac in Baldonnel. Also in fairness we did need replacements back in 2006 with most of our helicopter fleet being retired.

[heligaz]

I don't think this country really needs an armed helicopter. The AW149 is an 8.1 tonne helicopter and if agusta put wheels as small as the ones on the 139 onto the 149 it will sink into the ground. The 139 will do for now !

[Silver]

We are not the only country to buy the AW139 for military purposes to date..

http://www.agustawestland.com/node/3509

[corsair]

I don't think this country really needs an armed helicopter. The AW149 is an 8.1 tonne helicopter and if agusta put wheels as small as the ones on the 139 onto the 149 it will sink into the ground. The 139 will do for now !

It's not so much the armament as the militarisation of the helicopter that's the point. Troop carriers tend to carry only machine guns for defence anyway. The  139 isn't properly militarised. The 149 is a military 139. Armament are only options, you don't have to buy them. I doubt if you'll see any executive 149s.

We and the Qataris will remain the only military users of the 139.

[CK]

Only time will tell which is better AW139 or AW149.

[Shamrock145]

I don't think this country really needs an armed helicopter. The AW149 is an 8.1 tonne helicopter and if agusta put wheels as small as the ones on the 139 onto the 149 it will sink into the ground. The 139 will do for now !

It's not so much the armament as the militarisation of the helicopter that's the point. Troop carriers tend to carry only machine guns for defence anyway. The  139 isn't properly militarised. The 149 is a military 139. Armament are only options, you don't have to buy them. I doubt if you'll see any executive 149s.

We and the Qataris will remain the only military users of the 139.

Fair enough, but when was the last time either of the following two things happened ...

a) An Air Corps aircraft was sent into a combat zone
b) An Air Corps aircraft was fired upon

Given that there is little likelihood of either happening in the foreseeable future, do they need a militarised aircraft when there is a suitable alternative?

...145