AgustaWestland reveals AW149 for Turkey

By Craig Hoyle

AgustaWestland has formally unveiled a full-scale mock-up of its AW149 armed utility helicopter at the IDEF exhibition in Istanbul, Turkey.

The Finmeccanica company is offering the locally designated TUHP 145 for a cross-service requirement that could lead to the sale to Ankara of up to 115 aircraft. Sikorsky is pitching a T-70 derivative of its Black Hawk design in a two-way competition, with a platform selection to come as soon as June.

AgustaWestland's 8.1t AW149 twin has a crew of two pilots and can carry up to 18 equipped troops. The company has previously released information saying its maximum cruise speed will be 165kt (295km/h).

© AgustaWestland

The TUHP 145 offer includes Turkish companies Aselsan, Havelsan, Roketsan, Tusas Aerospace Industries and Tusas Engine Industries. AgustaWestland already works with some of these on the Turkish army's TAI-led T129 attack helicopter programme, which will deliver a variant of Italy's A129 Mangusta.