Leonardo AW169
Leonardo · Italy · first flew 2012 · helicopter
The Leonardo AW169 is a modern twin-engine medium helicopter designed for a wide range of civil and para-public roles including passenger transport, offshore oil and gas support, emergency medical services, and search and rescue. It first flew in May 2012.
Recognition (WEFT)
| W — Wings | High-mounted, rotary |
|---|---|
| E — Engines | 2 × turboshaft, fuselage-mounted |
| F — Fuselage | 14.65 m fuselage |
| T — Tail | No tailplane |
WEFT is AircraftIQ's four-point recognition method — how it works.
Spot it by:
- Modern twin-turboshaft medium helicopter with retractable undercarriage
- Four-blade main rotor and four-blade tail rotor
- Large cabin with sliding doors for 10 passengers or SAR role
A modern mid-size helicopter with a sleek composite fuselage, retractable tricycle undercarriage, four-blade main rotor, and large rectangular cabin windows; the twin engine nacelles above the cabin and the swept tail rotor pylon are distinguishing features.
Specifications
- The Leonardo AW169 has a length of 14.65 m (48 ft).
- It has a wingspan of 11.9 m (39 ft).
- Its maximum speed is 306 km/h (190 mph).
- Typical crew: 2, up to 10 passengers.
Figures are for the representative variant described above; marks differ. See how AircraftIQ sources figures.
History
AgustaWestland (now Leonardo) launched the AW169 programme in 2007 to fill the gap between the AW139 and AW109 in its product range. The aircraft achieved EASA certification in 2015 and has since found customers across Europe, Asia, and the Americas in multiple roles.
Variants
The AW169 is offered in standard, law enforcement, military utility, and SAR configurations; an armed military variant has been proposed as the AW169M.
Where you'll see it
Operates with air ambulance, police, coastguard, and offshore transport operators across Europe and internationally; notably operated by the UK's Yorkshire Air Ambulance and Italian police, though not exclusively a UK type.
Related aircraft
- Leonardo AW189
- Leonardo M-345
- Leonardo AW249
- Leonardo AW139
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- Harbin Z-19 Black Whirlwind
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