Helis, April 14, 2026 - At FIDAE 2026, Leonardo S.p.A., one of the world’s leading aerospace manufacturers, presented its comprehensive helicopter portfolio, spanning civil, military, and emerging unmanned capabilities tailored to evolving operational needs in Latin America.
Among the next-generation civil helicopters on display were:
AW09 – Positioned as a new standard in the single-engine segment, the AW09 is currently in the final stages of development, with certification by European Union Aviation Safety Agency expected this year. The helicopter features a fully composite structure designed to enhance durability and payload while reducing operating costs through simplified maintenance. It offers seating for up to eight passengers plus a pilot, a configuration unique in its class. The first corporate delivery in Chile is projected for late 2027 in cooperation with Synerjet.
AW109 Series – A proven light twin-engine platform, the AW109 family continues to demonstrate strong operational presence in Chile, with 11 units currently in service. This includes five AW109 E Power helicopters operated by Carabineros de Chile since 2007. In the civil sector, the aircraft is used in corporate transport, air medical services, and utility roles, including the AW109 Trekker variant, known for its versatility and reliability.
AW169 – Representing the latest technology in the light-intermediate segment, the AW169 is a modern twin-engine helicopter designed for a wide range of missions. While not yet in operation in Chile, it has already demonstrated successful performance in Argentina, Brazil, and Uruguay across corporate, law enforcement, and search and rescue roles. The platform offers extended range, high performance, and advanced safety features, including an Auxiliary Power Unit (APU) mode that allows mission preparation with rotors stopped, enhancing ground safety.
In addition, Leonardo highlighted the AgustaWestland AW119 in its IFR configuration, presented in the static display, emphasizing enhanced mission capability and operational reliability in demanding conditions.
In the military segment, Leonardo presented:
AW169M – A versatile and high-performance light twin-engine helicopter designed for demanding military operations. It is capable of day and night missions in complex environments, including urban areas and high altitudes, and is positioned as a flexible, multi-mission platform adaptable to evolving operational requirements.
AW149 – A next-generation multi-role military helicopter designed to support modern armed forces. Engineered for operations in hostile environments, it combines robustness, survivability, and mission effectiveness, integrating advanced technologies, mission systems, and weapon capabilities.
AW139M – The military variant of the widely used AW139 platform, tailored for government and defense missions. It is designed for operations in challenging conditions, offering high power margins, advanced technology, and mission flexibility, with the ability to integrate a wide range of internal and external equipment and weapon systems.
Leonardo also showcased its approach to next-generation operations through platforms such as the Leonardo AWHero, supporting multi-domain missions that integrate both crewed and uncrewed capabilities.
Beyond aircraft, the company emphasized customer support, training, and service solutions, underlining a long-term partnership approach aligned with regional operational requirements across Latin America.
Among the next-generation civil helicopters on display were:
AW09 – Positioned as a new standard in the single-engine segment, the AW09 is currently in the final stages of development, with certification by European Union Aviation Safety Agency expected this year. The helicopter features a fully composite structure designed to enhance durability and payload while reducing operating costs through simplified maintenance. It offers seating for up to eight passengers plus a pilot, a configuration unique in its class. The first corporate delivery in Chile is projected for late 2027 in cooperation with Synerjet.
AW109 Series – A proven light twin-engine platform, the AW109 family continues to demonstrate strong operational presence in Chile, with 11 units currently in service. This includes five AW109 E Power helicopters operated by Carabineros de Chile since 2007. In the civil sector, the aircraft is used in corporate transport, air medical services, and utility roles, including the AW109 Trekker variant, known for its versatility and reliability.
AW169 – Representing the latest technology in the light-intermediate segment, the AW169 is a modern twin-engine helicopter designed for a wide range of missions. While not yet in operation in Chile, it has already demonstrated successful performance in Argentina, Brazil, and Uruguay across corporate, law enforcement, and search and rescue roles. The platform offers extended range, high performance, and advanced safety features, including an Auxiliary Power Unit (APU) mode that allows mission preparation with rotors stopped, enhancing ground safety.
In addition, Leonardo highlighted the AgustaWestland AW119 in its IFR configuration, presented in the static display, emphasizing enhanced mission capability and operational reliability in demanding conditions.
In the military segment, Leonardo presented:
AW169M – A versatile and high-performance light twin-engine helicopter designed for demanding military operations. It is capable of day and night missions in complex environments, including urban areas and high altitudes, and is positioned as a flexible, multi-mission platform adaptable to evolving operational requirements.
AW149 – A next-generation multi-role military helicopter designed to support modern armed forces. Engineered for operations in hostile environments, it combines robustness, survivability, and mission effectiveness, integrating advanced technologies, mission systems, and weapon capabilities.
AW139M – The military variant of the widely used AW139 platform, tailored for government and defense missions. It is designed for operations in challenging conditions, offering high power margins, advanced technology, and mission flexibility, with the ability to integrate a wide range of internal and external equipment and weapon systems.
Leonardo also showcased its approach to next-generation operations through platforms such as the Leonardo AWHero, supporting multi-domain missions that integrate both crewed and uncrewed capabilities.
Beyond aircraft, the company emphasized customer support, training, and service solutions, underlining a long-term partnership approach aligned with regional operational requirements across Latin America.
AW119Ke Koala CC-AEA ( )
Arturo Merino Benitez See also |
Leonardo do Brasil 
