THE BELGIAN ARMY is re-equipping a limited number of its 18 Agusta A109BA observation helicopters for quick-reaction out-of-area deployment.
Current plans are for five A109BA observation helicopters to be equipped with rocket-launcher and machine-gun pods. The launcher pods are from existing air-force stocks. The machine-gun pods are the regular FN MAG pods, which have been available for export for some time. SABCA is implementing prototype conversion in its Gosselies plant.
The A109s will be able to be lifted on dedicated roll-on pallets for Lockheed Martin C-130 Hercules transports. The Belgian army acquired 46 Agusta A109ABs from Italy in 1989.
Source: Flight International
