History
News
In 2018 was announced a partnership between Polish’ PGZ and Leonardo for a new attack helicopter designed to meet the Polish Army’s requirement to replace the aging Mi-24. Poland finally selected the AH-64E Apache.
Leonardo continued with its NEES (Nuovo Elicottero da Esplorazione e Scorta, New Exploration and Escort Helicopter) program as a replacement for the A129 Mangusta in the Italian Army. The Fenice (Phoenix) is planned to enter service by 2025.
The AW249 first flew on August 12, 2022 at Leonardo plant in Vergiate, Italy.
Second prototype flew March 19, 2023.
The AW249 made its international debut at Eurosatory 2024. Deliveries expected to begin in 2027
As of October 2025, the Italian Army has 48 AW249 on order.
As of June 2026, four AW249 have been built, with three being pre-production units. Series production has already started, and deliveries to the Italian Army Aviation are expected to begin in 2028.
Leonardo continued with its NEES (Nuovo Elicottero da Esplorazione e Scorta, New Exploration and Escort Helicopter) program as a replacement for the A129 Mangusta in the Italian Army. The Fenice (Phoenix) is planned to enter service by 2025.
The AW249 first flew on August 12, 2022 at Leonardo plant in Vergiate, Italy.
Second prototype flew March 19, 2023.
The AW249 made its international debut at Eurosatory 2024. Deliveries expected to begin in 2027
As of October 2025, the Italian Army has 48 AW249 on order.
As of June 2026, four AW249 have been built, with three being pre-production units. Series production has already started, and deliveries to the Italian Army Aviation are expected to begin in 2028.
Specifications
| Engine | 2 x General Electric CT7-8E6 2500 shp |
|---|---|
| Capacity | 2 |
| Length (m) | 12 |
| Height (m) | 3.35 |
| Blades | 5 |
| Rotor diam. (m) | 12 |
| Disc area (m2) | 113 |
| Weight (kgs) | Empty: 1800 Max: 8000 |
| Speed (km/h) | Cruise: 259 Max: 280 |
| Range (km) | 550 |
| Ceiling (m) | 6100 |
| Rate/Climb (m/min) | 625 |
Airframes (4)
| C/N | Model | Built | Reg | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 24000 | aw249 | 2022 |  CSX82069 | ZZZZ |
| 24001 | aw249 | 2023 | CSX82097 | PROVA20 |
| 24002 | aw249 | CSX82162 | ||
| 24003 | aw249 | 2026 | CSX82163 |
Operators
| 2022- | Leonardo Italy |
| 2027- | Aviazione dell'Esercito |