During the trials, the fourth AW609 tiltrotor prototype, AC4, showcased approach, deck landing, and touchdown capabilities from the flagship of the Italian Navy, the aircraft carrier ITS Cavour.  

According to Leonardo, the trials involved comprehensive testing, including deck landing and takeoff procedures in over 15 different conditions, using a fully synthetic environment and the AW609 development/engineering simulator in Cascina Costa.  

With its tilting rotors, the AW609 is capable of vertical takeoff and landing and can reach a top speed of 500 kilometers per hour (270 knots), far superior to a standard helicopter’s performance. Equipped with two Pratt & Whitney PT6 engines, it can cover distances of more than 1,800 kilometers (1,100 miles) while accommodating between nine and 12 passengers. 

鈥淔ast rotorcraft technologies continue to be core to our forward-looking capability development and value-proposition in the vertical lift domain, which has been extensively demonstrated by the progress on the AW609 tiltrotor programme,鈥� said Lorenzo Mariani, Co-General Manager of Leonardo.  

This initiative is part of ongoing activities by a joint working group established in 2022, comprising Leonardo, the Italian Navy, the Italian Army, and Guardia di Finanza, to evaluate the potential of tiltrotor technologies to complement existing government assets. Currently, the ITS Cavour uses AgustaWestland AW101 medium-lift helicopters聽

Following the successful ship trials, Leonardo will analyze the collected data to enhance the platform for naval operations. The AW609 tiltrotor has already accumulated over 1,900 flight hours in Italy and the United States. 

Bell精东影业 new vehicle concept can take off like a helicopter, and fly like a jet

• Defense

byClement Charpentreau

2021-08-11

Designated AH-249A NEES 鈥楩enice鈥� [Phoenix in Italian鈥攅d. note], it is marketed as an exploration and escort helicopter. It was developed through a collaboration between the Italian Ministry of Defense and Leonardo and is designed for missions ranging from aerial escort to close air support, combat attack, and reconnaissance. 

The AW249 helicopter is powered by two General Electric CT7-8E6 turboshaft engines of around 2,500 shaft horsepower each. It boasts a maximum cruise speed of 287 kilometers per hour (155 knots) and a maximum operational range of 796 kilometers (430 nautical miles).听听

With a payload capacity of 2,800 kilograms (6,170 pounds), the AW249 helicopter is equipped with a versatile array of weaponry, including guided and unguided 70 mm rockets, air-to-air infrared-guided missiles, and air-to-ground radiofrequency or fiber optic guided missiles. It also features a 20 mm 3-barrel cannon integrated with an advanced helmet display system for precise targeting. 

The AH-249A NEES is set to replace the Italian Army’s aging fleet of Agusta A129 Mangusta attack helicopters. It completed its maiden flight on August 12, 2022. Production is expected to commence soon, with deliveries scheduled for 2027.  

Leonardo unveils new VIP configuration for AW09 helicopter at EBACE 2024

• Business Aviation
• EBACE 2024

byClement Charpentreau

2024-05-28

During a speech on June 5, 2024, Chancellor Scholz confirmed that the purchase of the new aircraft for the Luftwaffe is in addition to the 38 Eurofighter Typhoons ordered in 2020.听听

Addressing the media, Scholz said: 鈥淚 am strongly in favor of maintaining and expanding production capabilities. That is why we will order 20 more Eurofighters in this legislative period in addition to the 38 aircraft currently in the pipeline.鈥�  

The German leader added: 鈥淲e are also committed to further prospects for the Eurofighter in terms of exports. I already had the opportunity to visit the Eurofighter facility in Manching in January. We shall ensure continuous capacity utilization there.鈥�  

He added that the order would provide Airbus and its suppliers with security for the future.听听

Wir wollen eine starke Luft- und Raumfahrtbranche in Deutschland und Europa. Dazu geh枚rt Planungssicherheit in der Verteidigungsindustrie. Deshalb sorgen wir f眉r verl盲ssliche Auftr盲ge – auch mit der Bestellung von 20 weiteren Eurofightern noch in dieser Legislaturperiode.

— Bundeskanzler Olaf Scholz (@Bundeskanzler)

Eurofighter CEO Giancarlo Mezzanatto said: 鈥淭oday精东影业 announcement from the German government is great news for the Eurofighter programme and our industry partners. It underlines Germany精东影业 long-term commitment to the Eurofighter.鈥� 

Mezzanatto added: 鈥淓urofighter Typhoon will be the backbone of Europe精东影业 defence for decades to come.鈥� 

In June 2020, Germany精东影业 acquisition of 38 Eurofighter Typhoons was estimated to be worth around 鈧�5.4 billion ($5.8 billion). Delivery of the Airbus fourth-generation fighter jets should commence in 2025. 

The Eurofighter Typhoon is a twin-engine, canard-delta wing, multirole fighter, manufactured by a consortium of Airbus, BAE Systems and Leonardo.聽

Airbus receives order for 38 Eurofighter Typhoons from Germany

• Defense

byClement Charpentreau

2020-11-06

The mock-up showcases a deluxe VIP-corporate transport cabin layout and an exclusive paint scheme. This new model is now part of the Agusta-branded product range.  

The AW09 boasts the largest cabin and most generous legroom in the single-engine helicopter class, with various interior options.  

Leonardo has introduced dedicated interior themes inspired by nature, including Desert Dawn, Cedar Woods, Ocean Twilight, and Dark Cosmos.  

The airframe allows unobstructed side and rear access, while the five-bladed main rotor and shrouded tail rotor ensure a smoother flight. The helicopter is designed to be a modern digital rotorcraft, enabling advanced data transmission and analysis for technical support and flight efficiency. 

The AW09 light helicopter was initially developed by the Swiss manufacturer Kopter as the SH09 before the company was acquired by Leonardo in 2020. It has since been re-engined with the Arriel 2K turboshaft engine from Safran Helicopter Engines. 

Following its unveiling at EBACE, the AW09 mock-up will tour Europe, visiting Paris, London, and other key exhibitions. The new model has already racked up more than 100 preliminary sales contracts signed globally, according to its manufacturer. 

During the trial at the MoD Hebrides Range, orchestrated by the UK Defence Science and Technology Laboratory (Dstl), the DragonFire system demonstrated its effectiveness by successfully destroying drones approaching from various directions and several kilometers away. 

With a 拢100 million joint investment from industry and the UK Ministry of Defence, the DragonFire collaboration harnesses the expertise of British defense manufacturers to enhance layered air defense capabilities across land and maritime domains. The system’s success is seen as a pivotal achievement in the evolution of laser-directed energy weapons. Potentially it could revolutionize the battlespace by reducing reliance on costly ammunition and minimizing the risk of collateral damage. 

鈥淭his type of cutting-edge weaponry has the potential to revolutionise the battlespace by reducing the reliance on expensive ammunition, while also lowering the risk of collateral damage,鈥� UK Defence Secretary, Grant Shapps said. 鈥淚nvestments with industry partners in advanced technologies like DragonFire are crucial in a highly contested world, helping us maintain the battle-winning edge and keep the nation safe.鈥澛�

Affordable defense against attritable threats

Unlike a missile that can destroy a target by detonating nearby, the system uses an intense beam of light to neutralize the capabilities of a drone or subsonic missile by causing structural failure or destroying it completely. 

Observation of current conflicts, such as the war in Ukraine or the attacks by Iran-backed Houthi rebels against international shipping lanes, convinced British officials of the need to develop a cheap but effective weapon to destroy attritable threats such as loitering munition. For example, the Sea Viper missiles recently fired by the British destroyer HMS Diamond to intercept Houthi drones in the Red Sea cost around 拢1 million (鈧�1.165 million) each, compared to the laser’s operating cost of 拢10 (鈧�11.65) per shot. 

The United Kingdom is one of many nations to have developed such a capability. The US, Israel, France, and Russia among others have also reported the development of laser weapons as an affordable air defense method. 

From June 12 to 14 2023, the French Navy, in collaboration with the Directorate General of Armaments (DGA) and the company CILAS conducted a test campaign for the HELMA-P system, another anti-drone laser weapon, aboard the FDA Forbin in the Mediterranean Sea.

Ground-based testing of the ECRS Mark 2 prototype has been conducted at BAE Systems’ facility in Warton, Lancashire, in recent months. The radar has now been successfully installed on the UK test and evaluation aircraft, BS116, by a collaborative effort involving BAE Systems and Leonardo UK engineers. 

“The radar精东影业 Processor, Receiver, and Antenna Power Supply & Control units have all been re-engineered to further enhance the capacity, capability, and performance of the Mk2 system,鈥� stated Ross Wilson, VP of Engineering Radar and Advanced Targeting at Leonardo UK. 

Flight testing of the ECRS Mark 2 radar is expected to take place later in 2024. The radar will now undergo additional integration work within the Typhoon final assembly hangar at Warton, paving the way for the anticipated flight tests. 

What is Leonardo精东影业 European Common Radar System Mark 2 radar? 

Developed by Leonardo and integrated into the Typhoon by BAE Systems, the ECRS Mark 2 introduces a multi-functional array (MFA). This technology allows the radar to perform traditional functions such as search and targeting, while also conducting electronic warfare tasks. 

The high-gain sensor allows it to track airborne targets and surface-based emitters without emitting a signal, making it versatile for disrupting hostile emitters, whether they are airborne or surface-based. 

One of the radar’s standout features is its ability to execute a potent electronic jamming attack, enabling the Eurofighter Typhoon to locate and neutralize an adversary’s radar while maintaining a safe distance from potential threats. 

The fleet of RAF Typhoon fighters will undergo a modernization program to be fitted with the AESA ECRS Mk2 radar. Operational introduction is expected by 2030. 

鈥淪piral upgrades, including the integration of the UK-development Spear Cap 3, will be enhanced by a significant investment in Radar 2, providing a leap in operation capability that will ensure the Typhoon Force can survive and operate in the most challenging threat scenarios,鈥� RAF spokesperson Martin Tinworth explained to 精东影业. 

Royal Air Force Typhoon T1 fighters to be cannibalized for parts

• Defense

byClement Charpentreau

2023-12-22

The ceremony took place at the 44th Naval Aviation Base in Darlowo, northwestern Poland, and marked the beginning of the final phase in integrating the helicopters.  

The helicopters are undergoing crew training as they move towards official enlistment in the military aircraft registry.  

In April 2019, Poland signed a contract for four AW101 helicopters for $430 million. The fourth aircraft is expected to arrive at the base around the beginning of 2024. The aircraft will be maintained by Leonardo精东影业 local subsidiary, PZL-艢widnik. 

The AW101 helicopters are set to cover various missions for the Polish Navy including Anti-Submarine Warfare (ASW) and Combat Search and Rescue (CSAR), replacing the current fleet of Soviet-era Mil Mi-14PL helicopters.  

In August 2023, Polish Defense Minister Mariusz Blaszczak revealed that the authorities were negotiating the acquisition of an additional 22 AW101 multirole helicopters for the Polish Land Forces. 

The deal, signed on December 4, 2023, details that a portion of Sweden’s flight training for fighter pilots will be conducted in Italy, spanning from January 2024 into the next ten years. The Aeronautica Militare (the Italian Air Force), with support from Leonardo Industries, will be responsible for executing the training program.  

The training will be administered by the 61 Stormo (Wing) of the Aeronautica Militare, and is to be based at the Galatina Air Base outside Lecce, as well as the Decimomannu Air Base in Sardinia. 

The IFTS is a joint initiative by the Aeronautica Militare and Leonardo. It involves instructors from the Italian Air Force and Leonardo M-346 jet trainers developed by the Italian manufacturers Aermacchi and Leonardo. 

鈥淚 am happy that the agreement has now been signed and that we have the necessary conditions to get started with qualified flight training that meets the requirements of the future,鈥� Swedish Air Force Chief Jonas Wikman said. 

鈥淭his is a further significant step for the safety of European skies: finding agreements and synergies between countries that share spaces and orientations is always productive,鈥� Italian Air Force Chief Luca Goretti commented. 鈥淲orking with Swedish colleagues will represent an opportunity for growth for both countries. This agreement also represents another milestone for the IFTS project.鈥� 

As part of the collaboration, Swedish flight instructors will be dispatched to both of the Italian air bases to undergo tuition on the M-346 trainer. Following this phase, the Swedish flight instructors will subsequently serve as instructors at the IFTS. 

Qatar turns to Italy to train pilots for its fighter jet cocktail

• Defense

byClement Charpentreau

2020-11-12

In a briefing with the press, Boom CEO and Founder Blake Scholl revealed three new suppliers to provide structures for the Overture: the Spain-based companies Aernnova for the wing and Aciturri for the empennage, and the Italian manufacturer Leonardo for the fuselage and system integration.

鈥淥verture will be an opportunity to provide our expertise in the design and development of aerostructures for the first sustainable supersonic aircraft,鈥� Aernnova chief executive officer Ricardo Chocarro said. 鈥淎ernnova has extensive experience in designing composite aerostructures such as wings and empennage鈥�

Boom highlighted the importance of Overture精东影业 gull wings, shaped to reduce drag during supersonic flight.

The manufacturer also announced that the first 40 Symphony engines meant for ground testing, flight testing, and certification, will be produced in partnership with Kratos鈥� Florida Turbines Technologies (FTT) at a facility in Jupiter, Florida.

Symphony is a two-spool, medium-bypass turbofan engine, with no afterburner. Scholl defined it as a 鈥渃onventional turbofan architecture optimized for the needs of sustaining supersonic flight.鈥�

Boom concluded by announcing deals with Dimensional Energy and Air Company to supply 10 million gallons (37 million liters) of sustainable aviation fuels (SAF) per year.

Boom teams up with Kratos to manufacture supersonic airliner engines

• Aviation Technology and Innovation
• Civil Aviation

byClement Charpentreau

2022-12-13

Boeing will be working alongside helicopter and aerospace developer and manufacturer Leonardo for the MH-139A project. Boeing is the prime contractor for the project, and Leonardo is the original equipment manufacturer (OEM).  

Leonardo will produce the helicopter at its plant in northeast Philadelphia, while Boeing will be responsible for military equipment procurement and installation and post-delivery support of the aircraft.

Boeing said that it aims to deliver the first MH-139A to the US Air Force by 2023. 

鈥淎dvancing the program from testing and evaluation to production is a major step toward entering the MH-139 into service and providing the U.S. Air Force with additional missile security for decades,鈥� Azeem Khan, Boeing精东影业 MH-139 program director said in a . 

鈥淲e are working diligently to begin deliveries next year,鈥� Khan added. 

According to Boeing, the MH-139A will replace the UH-1N Huey, which the US Air Force had been using since 1970 for various missions, including search and rescue. 

The MH-139A精东影业 enhanced capabilities allow missions to be accomplished more quickly, quietly and efficiently. With a 50% increase in speed and range, and an increase of 5,000 pounds max gross weight, the aircraft can execute the US Air Force精东影业 mission of protecting intercontinental ballistic missiles across the country.

Boeing and Airbus join forces to offer H-47 Chinook helicopter to Germany

• Defense

byClement Charpentreau

2022-03-25