AW249 attack helicopter makes its maiden flight

As reported by Key Aero, the AW249, developed by Leonardo Helicopters to replace the obsolete A129 Mangusta attack helicopters, made its maiden flight. The first flight of the AW249 was expected to take place in September 2022 at the latest. Leonardo Helicopters started development of the AW249 following the signing of a $487 million contract with the Italian Ministry of Defense to develop and supply a helicopter that could replace A129 helicopters. Compared to the A129 Mangusta, the AW249 approaches the heavy class with a payload capacity of 1800 kg and a maximum take-off weight of 8 tons; It uses two GE CT-78E6 turboshaft engines rated at approximately 2583 shp each. In this way, the AW249 will have a much higher power-to-weight ratio compared to the A129, which uses 2 890 shp Rolls-Royce Gem 2-1004D turboshaft engines that it will replace. With 3 weapon stations on each wing and asymmetrical carrying capability, the AW249’s weapon load is loaded with SPIKE series anti-tank mis