Leonardo AW149 stands alone in the UK medium helicopter race

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It looks like Leonardo and its AW149 helicopter are taking the lead for the UK’s new medium helicopter. As reported by FlightGlobal, the competition has seen Airbus [H175M] and Sikorsky [S-70M Black Hawk] stepping out.

Poland purchases AW149 helos with 4 axis FCS, ATMs, sniper rifles — Photo credit: Leonardo

Bids for the New Medium Helicopter [NMH] requirement were due by August 30, and rumors had been swirling for weeks that Airbus and Sikorsky might back out, which FlightGlobal confirmed. The publication noted a significant difference between Leonardo’s offer and those from the other two companies.

Airbus, along with its partners, concluded that they couldn’t submit a bid that would responsibly meet the customer’s needs, deliver a fair long-term return, and still have a realistic chance of winning.

The UK Ministry of Defence’s New Medium Helicopter [NMH] program is an exciting initiative designed to revamp the nation’s rotary-wing fleet. This ambitious effort plans to replace multiple aging helicopter models with one adaptable platform capable of executing various missions like troop transport, search and rescue, and medical evacuations.

Considering its significance to the UK’s defense strategy, the NMH program comes with a hefty price tag. Although the exact numbers are still under wraps, estimates place the cost at several billion pounds over the program’s lifecycle, including procurement, maintenance, and operational costs.

This program promises to significantly bolster the UK armed forces with a fresh fleet of helicopters. While the precise number is yet to be confirmed, it’s anticipated that the acquisition will range between 30 to 50 helicopters, ensuring they are well-equipped for the diverse roles these new aircraft will undertake.

AgustaWestland AW149 - leonardo helicopter — Photo credit: Wikipedia

The NMH aims to replace several aging helicopter models currently serving the UK armed forces, including the Puma HC2, Bell 212, Bell 412, and Dauphin helicopters. These older models, having been in service for many years, are becoming increasingly expensive to maintain and operate.

Technical aspects of the NMH program highlight its versatility and advanced features. The new helicopters are expected to come equipped with cutting-edge avionics, enhanced survivability features, and the capability to function in various environments, from urban settings to harsh terrains. Furthermore, they will likely include modern communication systems and advanced navigation aids to boost operational efficiency and safety.

Leonardo’s proposal of the AW149 helicopter to the United Kingdom under the New Medium Helicopter [NMH] program includes several significant elements designed to secure the contract and enhance local economic benefits.

Leonardo has put forward a plan to manufacture AW149 helicopters at its Yeovil facility in Somerset, marking this site as their primary production hub in the UK. Here, everything from production to final assembly and integration will take place. This approach ensures that the UK maintains its own capability to produce and look after the fleet.

Producing the AW149 in the UK is set to protect and create a significant number of jobs. It’s estimated that roughly 700 jobs will be directly supported at the Yeovil site, with an even greater impact seen as thousands more jobs pop up across the UK supply chain.

Leonardo’s proposal highlights the extensive use of UK-based suppliers, which will further strengthen the British aerospace and defense sectors. This reinforcement ensures a strong domestic supply chain, boosting the economy. The project is also expected to facilitate the transfer of crucial skills and advanced technology to the UK workforce, offering excellent training and development opportunities in cutting-edge manufacturing and engineering fields.

Leonardo underscored the long-term advantages of its proposal, highlighting lifecycle cost efficiency, maintenance, and upgrade potential—all locally managed. This could mean significant returns on investment for the UK government throughout the helicopters’ operational life.

By producing the AW149 within the UK, the country would ensure control over a crucial segment of its defense infrastructure, lessening reliance on foreign suppliers and boosting national security. The Yeovil facility could also serve as an export hub for AW149 helicopters, potentially driving further economic benefits and establishing the UK as a leader in the global helicopter market.

The AW149 was showcased as a versatile and adaptable helicopter designed to meet the varied demands of the NMH program. It was proposed as an ideal successor for older models like the Puma HC2, offering flexibility for multiple roles from troop transport to medical evacuation.

BULGARIAN MILITARY

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