Leonardo AW249 Fenice Makes Public Flying Debut, Carrying Up to 2,000 kg of Weapons
Updated
Updated · Jane's · Jun 10
Leonardo AW249 Fenice Makes Public Flying Debut, Carrying Up to 2,000 kg of Weapons
3 articles · Updated · Jane's · Jun 10
Summary
ILA Berlin opened with the AW249 Fenice’s first public flying display, marking the attack helicopter’s airshow debut after its static public unveiling at Eurosatory 2024.
The 7-8 tonne twin-engine helicopter is being developed by Leonardo to replace the Italian Army’s AW129 Mangusta, with higher speed, ceiling and endurance plus improved survivability and digital systems.
Two GE CT7-8E6 turboshafts deliver 1,900 kW each, while the two-seat aircraft can carry up to 2,000 kg of weapons on six stations and mounts a TM197B 20 mm nose gun.
Leonardo is building the AW249 first for Italy but is also pitching it for export, positioning the platform against other modern attack helicopters in the global market.