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 149 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).
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The TUHP 149 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.
Source: Flight International
