PUBLISHED: FRIDAY, 27 OCTOBER 2017, 16:58
Juliusz Sabak
At the Combat Helicopters 2017 conference in Cracow, a
representative of the Italian armed forces presented the concept of development
of the AH-249A helicopter, which is expected to start replacing the AH-129D
(AW129) Mangusta. The machine is developed by Leonardo
Helicopters. In the new design, the AW149 propulsion system, which was
offered in Poland in the multi-tasking helicopter program based on a common
platform, will be used to accelerate the work.
Lieutenant Colonel Claudio Orioles, Head of the Italian Army
Aviation Logistics, presented the concept of the AH-249A escort and impact
helicopter at the Combat Helicopters conference in Cracow. These engines
will replace the currently used AH-129D Mangusta helicopters, which are the
latest variant of the rotors. The first A129 serial model (since 2012
marked AH-129A) entered the armament of the Italian Army in 1990.
Leonardo Helicopters signed a research and development agreement
with the National Armaments Directorate (NAD) in January 2017, prototype testing
and the production of three pre-launch helicopters called NESS (New Exploration
and Escort Helicopter). Last year, the Italian parliament's defense
commission approved € 487 million in funding for a program to build a new
combat helicopter for the armed forces.
To accelerate the development of the AH-249A to service from around
2020, the Leonardo Helicopters has decided to use the existing AW149
multi-purpose helicopter propulsion system and the AW129 modernization
system. This is in line with the current trend of unification, launched by
the Bell Helicopteres AH / UH-1 family (the so-called "H-1 family",
which currently holds 85% of the common shares in the current AH-1Z Viper and
UH-1Y Venom). A similar road, although it can be said that in the opposite
direction than Italy, went to Turkey, because T-129 ATAK propulsion system was
based T-635 multi-tasking helicopter.
The helicopter mass has been planned for over 7 tons, which puts
the Italian design between a slightly lighter helicopter Airbus Helicopters
Tiger with a maximum weight of about 6 tons and a slightly heavier Viper (class
8 tons). It will not compete with heavy tank destroyers like the AH-64E
Apache, Mi-28 or Ka-52. The main purpose of AW-249 is to carry out escort
and reconnaissance missions and fire support to land forces.
Faster, longer, more
Presented at the Cracow conference, the concept of the AH-249
helicopter development assumes much higher performance compared to the
AH-129D. It is planned to increase the airborne time from 2 to 3 hours,
cruising speed from 115 to 140 knots (from 213 to 259 km / h) and a ceiling of
15 thousand. up to 20 thousand Stop. The armament of the
armament is to increase from 820 kg to not less than 1800 kg. Due to these
requirements the launch mass of the new helicopter is expected to be much
higher than for the AH-129D, which is less than 5 tonnes. The AH-249 is
expected to weigh 7-8 tonnes with much greater dynamics and range of flight
characteristics.
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Comparison of the performance of CH-47, NH90 and AH-129 with its
future successor NESS (AH-249). It is clear how the Mangusta departs from newer
machines in terms of flight duration (red color) and speed (green color).
Graphics: Aviazione Dell 'Esercito
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Performance requirements result from the fact that the AH-129D is
fully armed, much slower and can remain in the air shorter than the Italian
army's multi-tasking and transport helicopters. This applies especially to
NH90 and CH-47F Chinook machines. This situation makes it impossible to de
facto effectively carry out the basic tasks of escort and helicopter support
and reconnaissance. The AH-129D is not capable of interacting with these
machines effectively as long as they operate at maximum cruising speed, and as
you know, speed is one of the basic strengths of aeromobile formation.
However, the requirements of the Italian forces do not affect the
performance alone. Much emphasis was placed on the machine's resistance to
extreme conditions. The range of permissible temperatures has changed to a
lower limit of -35 to -40 degrees Celsius, while the upper limit is still +50
degrees. Due to the lowering of the temperature, the possibility of action
in case of slight icing is required. There is also a need to increase the
protection of key components and ensure proper operation in high dust (sand,
dust) and snow conditions and protection against seawater (salt environment).
More to see, not to be seen
The Italian army defined not only higher demands on performance and
operating conditions, but also broadened the needs of the contemporary
battlefield. The new reconnaissance and escort helicopter (defined as its
task) is to have a wide range of opportunities for information gathering and
exchange, as well as modern security solutions as well as effective detection and
identification of hazards.
Among the desirable characteristics are, among
others. Reduction of the AH-249 signature in the range of different
detection means. The machine will have integrated exhaust gas temperature
reduction systems (IR signature) and radar signature design and
coating. The helicopter is also intended to be equipped with active
jamming and self-defense systems and sensors enabling, for example, automatic
determination of the direction from which the helicopter is being
driven. Another issue is to protect the AH-249 against the effects of
electronic combat and even hacking attempts.
In terms of data exchange, the new machine is expected to be able
to offer broadband communications using Link16 and other standards. The
machine is designed to use radio stations digitally encoded at different
frequencies but also to connect to cellular networks. This provides the
ability to transmit audio, video and data through fully encrypted communication
channels. The AH-249 will also have the ability to interact with various
types of unmanned aerial vehicles, both in terms of data exchange and drones
management. Interestingly, among the mentioned bsl were the Predator,
Reaper, Shadow 200 and Falco aircraft, but also the AW Hero unmanned
helicopters and the "Polish" SW-4 Solo RUAS / OPH manufactured by PZL
Świdnik.
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Front part of the hull AH-249. You can see the placement of the 20
mm parcel and the optoelectronic head and the cab layout with a single touch
screen. Fig. Dell's Esercito
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With regard to flight safety and situational awareness, pilots are
to be provided with a wide range of modern solutions that are designed not only
to effectively target and accomplish tasks, but also to enhance ergonomics and
safety. In addition to navigation systems and safety systems such as
VOR-ILS, DME, TACAN, Doppler radar and radar altimeter and GPS / INS
navigation, the machine is to have a data processing and integration
system. They will be depicted on the main, widescreen multifunctional
touch screen that occupies the place of the classic dashboard, HUD display and
flicker displays. This applies, for example, to the application of
so-called "extended reality", ie overlapping data from different
sensors to increase awareness of the battlefield. This can, for
example, Apply the image of the imager and the aiming system to what the
pilot sees through the night vision or the waist screen. This is to enable
the AH-249 to operate in all weather conditions at low altitudes, which is a
key capability for this type of machine.
Increased firepower, fewer casualties
As far as combat capability is concerned, the AH-249 has, as shown
above, a broad range of possibilities for acquiring information about potential
targets. Arming and targeting systems are designed not only to combat air
and ground targets, including tanks and armored vehicles, but also to provide
high precision and wide range of armament. This is to limit the so-called
"casualties" in case of actions such as in urban areas or asymmetric
operations.
The AH-129D helicopter will be borrowed from the turret and armed
with a 20 mm three-barrel gun. Instead, the ammunition supply system will
be modified and its supply increased. Unfortunately, the Mangusta
helicopter has also been repaired, which is a parcel installation just below
the optoelectronic head, which is also located at the bow, in front of the
cockpit. As a result of this vibration when shooting from a 20 mm parcel
they are transferred to the head, which negatively affects both the
effectiveness and the viability of these systems.
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Comparison of AH-129D and AH-249 (NESS). Fig. Dell's Esercito
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In addition to the AH-249, it is to be armed with a wide range of
guided missiles and non-guided missiles, including anti-tank missiles and
air-to-air missiles. The total weight of the armored gear is over 1800 kg,
which is more than double that of the AH-129D. There are no specific types
of rockets, but about 70mm guided missiles and non-guided missiles,
laser-guided missiles and ground-to-air missiles to combat heavily defended
targets beyond the opponent's field of vision.
The presentation of the Spike family (including the Spike NLOS)
appeared in Krakow, which coincides with the current activities of the Italian
forces, which integrated Spike missiles on the AH-129D helicopters. These
machines can also carry the US TOW-2 and Hellfire missiles, which will be armed
in the future with the AH-249, but are expected to be replaced by newer
generations. At the ends of the wings, the new engine received additional
air-to-air missiles. This means that by transferring 8 anti-tank missiles
and two 70 mm rocket launchers, the AH-249 will be able to carry 2 short range
missiles or 4 very short range missiles.
NESS is more than a magnifying manga
In terms of new wing construction, the Leonardo Helicopters decided
to go the proven route, de facto enlarging the AW129 (AH-129) with the gun and
the optoelectronic head in the bow, the tandem cockpit and the long narrow
hull. On the sides of the hull will appear long sponsors, hosting, among
others. larger fuel tanks, sensors and avionics.
The drive system is designed to provide much more power, both in
the drive range and power sources for onboard installations, which will provide
higher power APUs. If information about the use of engines and power
transmission from the AW149 helicopter with a mass of 8.6 tonnes will be
confirmed, the five-blade rotor and four-blade tail rotor will drive two
US-based GE CT7-2E1 engines of 1490 kW (2000 hp) each. They will be
equipped with an integrated exhaust gas dispersion system.
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Helicopter AH-249. Fig. Dell's Esercito
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The concept of the new machine is not particularly revolutionary,
but the aim is to rapidly develop and introduce this machine. This is due
to the depletion of the AH-129 upgrade capabilities and unsatisfactory
performance, especially under very high or low temperatures and high
altitudes. That is why the Italian army wants to have a prototype of a new
machine by 2020 and five years later to introduce the first series to
operational service.
It is worth comparing with the time it was needed to develop from
the base helicopters such as Tiger or even AW129. A good example of this
is the development of the AH-1J Cobra twin-engined helicopter, which was
developed for the US Marines to increase the lifting capacity and safety of the
single-engine version used by the Army.
It should be noted, however, that the very classic AH-249
aerodynamic system is being developed at a time when, at the same Combat
Helicopters conference in Cracow, the single helicopter system had exhausted
its development capabilities. The AW-249 will soon be decoded by the
floating engine (like the V-280) or hybrid coaxial (like the SB-1 Defiant or
S-97 Rider).
The key in the NESS (New Exploration and Escort Helicopter)
program, which will result in the AH-249, is not so much the increase in
lifting capacity and performance, but above all the creation of a modern
machine capable of operating in digital C4 network systems and collaboration
with machines such as unmanned. In this respect, this helicopter has the potential
to be a completely new quality in the Italian armed forces. Time will tell
whether it is an evolutionary change that provides the Italian with sufficient
opportunities to carry out planned activities in the contemporary battlefield.
AH-249
in greater detail
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Source: mswierczynski
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2 x GE
CT7-2E1 engines
Italian MoD orders five M-345 trainer aircraft: Here
Excerpt
Leonardo has received two new contracts from the Italian MoD
National Armaments Directorate, with an aggregate value of €500 million: one
for an initial batch of five M-345 trainer aircraft, the second for the first
development phase of the new exploration and escort helicopter (NEES) for the
Italian Army.
The M-345 will supplement the fleet of 18 M-346 already in Italian
Air Force service for advanced pilot training. The service has a requirement
for about 45 of the new aircraft in total, (designated T-345) to replace the
fleet of 137 MB-338 delivered from 1982. The first delivery is expected by
2019.
The multi-year contract for the new NEES covers the study,
development, industrialisation, production and testing of a prototype and three
initial production aircraft. Through this new programme, based on a total
requirement for 48 units, the Italian Army will be able to replace the current
fleet of AW129 which are expected to be retired from service by 2025 following
over 35 years in operations. NEES will benefit from the long operational
expertise the army has gained with the AW129 and will allow the service to
introduce an even more technologically advanced product, with greater
performance and lower operating costs, to meet emerging needs in evolving scenarios
for the next 30 years.
M-345 Basic-Advanced Jet Trainer: Details
