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AgustaWestland AW159 Wildcat

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AgustaWestland
Company typePrivate (formerly)
IndustryAerospace, Defense
PredecessorWestland Helicopters
Founded2000
FateMerged into Leonardo S.p.A.
SuccessorLeonardo Helicopters
Headquarters
Yeovil
,
United Kingdom / Italy
Area served
Worldwide
ProductsHelicopters, Military helicopters (e.g., AW159 Wildcat)
OwnerLeonardo S.p.A.
ParentLeonardo S.p.A.
Websitewww.leonardocompany.com/en/home


Template:Infobox aircraft

The AgustaWestland AW159 Wildcat—formerly known as the Future Lynx and Lynx Wildcat—is a military helicopter created by the British-Italian manufacturer AgustaWestland, now promoted by the Italian aerospace firm Leonardo. This model represents an advancement over the Westland Super Lynx, engineered to fulfill roles such as battlefield utility, search and rescue, aerial reconnaissance, anti-submarine warfare (ASW), anti-surface warfare (ASuW), general utility, command and control, and troop transport operations.

Development began in the early 2000s under the designation Future Lynx, aimed at replacing the Lynx helicopters then in service with both the Royal Navy and British Army. While upgrading existing first-generation Lynx airframes was considered, it was deemed less cost-effective than manufacturing a new platform. The Wildcat incorporates advanced avionics and electronics, including a modern glass cockpit, an integrated digital open systems architecture, the Bowman communication suite, along with various mission-specific systems. Structural enhancements include a redesigned tail rotor and nose section, increased airframe durability, and an extended operational lifespan rated at 12,000 flight hours. The helicopter is also equipped to deploy new weaponry such as the Martlet air-to-surface missile and the Sea Venom anti-ship missile.

Its inaugural flight took place on 12 November 2009. The Wildcat AH1 was officially introduced into service with the Army Air Corps on 29 August 2014. Early in 2015, the Fleet Air Arm's initial Wildcat HMA2 units began their first operational deployments at sea. Within a five-year span, both branches phased out their last Lynx helicopters in favor of adopting the Wildcat. In addition to domestic use, the type is offered to international customers, with operators including the Republic of Korea Navy and the Philippine Navy.

Background

In 1995, the British Government declared plans to replace the Royal Navy's existing fleet of Westland Lynx helicopters, with an initial objective to operate exclusively with Merlin helicopters. Despite this intention, Westland Helicopters maintained ongoing discussions with the Ministry of Defence (MOD) throughout the late 1990s to explore potential future roles for the Lynx. The company presented various proposals aimed at either extending the operational life of the Super Lynx through upgrade initiatives or pursuing more extensive remanufacturing schemes that incorporated different levels of new components. In 2002, the Future Lynx initiative emerged from two separate studies assessing whether a variant derived from the Super Lynx 300 could serve as a replacement for the Royal Navy's and British Army's existing Lynx helicopters. These efforts corresponded to the Surface Combatant Maritime Rotorcraft (SCMR) and Battlefield Light Utility Helicopter (BLUH) programmes, respectively.

In July 2002, AgustaWestland was awarded a contract to carry out a formal evaluation phase of the Future Lynx project. On 22 July 2002, AgustaWestland entered into a partnership agreement with Thales Group, assigning Thales responsibility for developing the programme’s primary avionics systems, including communications, navigation, and flight management electronics. Concurrently, additional funding from the MOD was announced to support the early stages of the Future Lynx programme. By April 2003, projected in-service dates had been set for April 2007 for the BLUH programme and April 2008 for SCMR. Early in development, AgustaWestland chose to implement a glass cockpit featuring electronic enhancements derived from the AgustaWestland AW101, alongside various airframe modifications such as a redesigned tail rotor and nose section, as well as increased utilization of machined components instead of fabricated ones. By July 2004, it was reportedly determined that upgrading and remanufacturing first-generation Lynx helicopters was not cost-effective, leading to greater emphasis on developing a new-generation airframe under the BLUH programme.

Restructure

Towards the end of 2004, the National Audit Office (NAO) criticised the adequacy of the UK's helicopter fleet, deeming it insufficient. At the same time, a significant overhaul of the Ministry of Defence's (MOD) procurement system led to substantial changes in ongoing helicopter projects.[1] The BLUH programme was reportedly considered too costly, prompting speculation that a less advanced sensor suite might be adopted. Additionally, alternative platforms such as the NHIndustries NH90, Eurocopter EC120, or Eurocopter EC635 were proposed as substitutes for the Future Lynx.[1][2] Eventually, the focus on utility transport within the BLUH requirement was reduced, and the initiative was renamed as the Battlefield Reconnaissance Helicopter (BRH) programme.[3]Template:Unreliable source?

In early 2005, the MOD was reportedly considering whether to initiate an open tender for other manufacturers to compete for the BRH contract or to award a sole-source deal to AgustaWestland to continue with the Future Lynx project.[4] By late March that year, the MOD had confirmed Future Lynx as its preferred choice for rotorcraft modernization and anticipated awarding a non-competitive contract to AgustaWestland within the year.[5][6] The contract signing was postponed until the following year, partly due to preparations surrounding the release of the 2005 Defence Industrial Strategy, which endorsed the selection of Future Lynx.[7]

On 22 June 2006, under the Strategic Partnering Arrangement with AgustaWestland, the MOD awarded a £1 billion contract for seventy Future Lynx helicopters. This agreement planned for delivery of forty aircraft to the British Army and thirty to the Royal Navy, with an option for an additional ten units divided equally between both services.[8][9] By late 2007, entry into service for both British Army and Royal Navy was projected for 2014 and 2015 respectively.[10] In 2008, reports indicated that cancellation of the Future Lynx programme was under consideration.[11] Nevertheless, in December of that year, the MOD confirmed continuation of the primary contract with a slight reduction in total procurement numbers to sixty-two helicopters.[12]

Into production

In October 2007, after successfully completing an interim critical design review, the Future Lynx initiative advanced into the manufacturing stage; the initial flight-test helicopter's first metal cutting occurred within that same month. By September 2008, the chosen engine for the Future Lynx, the LHTEC CTS800-4N, achieved European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) type certification, allowing for production deliveries to begin. Subsequently, in November 2008, GKN supplied AgustaWestland with the first fully assembled airframe; this new airframe featured an 80 percent reduction in part count compared to the previous Lynx generation, accomplished through the integration of monolithic machined components.

File:AgustaWestland AW-159 Lynx Wildcat AH1 - Chris Lofting.jpg
Wildcat prototype ZZ401, 2011

On 24 April 2009, AgustaWestland announced that the Future Lynx had been officially designated as AW159,[13] and it would be referred to as the Wildcat within British military service.Cite error: Closing </ref> missing for <ref> tag Both units operate out of RNAS Yeovilton. In February 2012, a Wildcat prototype (ZZ402) spent 20 days conducting trials aboard HMS Iron Duke off England and Scotland’s coasts. These evaluations aimed to establish ship-helicopter operational boundaries under adverse weather conditions ahead of the type’s entry into service in 2015. During this period, the aircraft completed 390 deck landings, including 148 at night; notably, pilots performed 76 of these night landings utilizing night vision goggles.[14]

The initial production Wildcat, ZZ406, was delivered to the WFT (Army) in May 2012. The Royal Navy received its first airframe by late 2013. Additional testing included deck landings on RFA Mounts Bay.[15] The Wildcat made its public debut at the Farnborough International Airshow in July 2012, where Defence Secretary Philip Hammond highlighted it as a significant upgrade over Lynx helicopters, offering enhanced performance and capabilities.[16]

The Wildcat AH1 was officially inducted into service with the Army Air Corps on 29 August 2014.[17] Subsequently, on 23 March 2015, the Royal Navy deployed its first Wildcat HMA2 operationally at sea aboard HMS Lancaster.[18] By the year 2024, all ordered Wildcats—totaling 62 units—had been delivered to both British Army and Royal Navy forces;[19] collectively, they accumulated over 10,000 flight hours with an impeccable at-sea availability rate and more than 1,200 successful deck landings.[20] In September of that year, a Wildcat HMA.2 from 825 Naval Air Squadron underwent extreme high-temperature trials onboard HMS Duncan in the Persian Gulf.[21]

On July 4, 2019, personnel from 42 Commando Royal Marines utilized a Wildcat helicopter to board and seize the Grace 1 oil tanker near Gibraltar.[22]

South Korea

File:ZZ406 Wildcat AH1 of the AAC.jpeg
ZZ406, the initial production Wildcat delivered to the AAC in May 2012

On 15 January 2013, the Defense Acquisition Program Administration of South Korea announced its choice of the AW159 to meet the Republic of Korea Navy's need for a maritime helicopter, prevailing over the MH-60R Seahawk. A total of eight helicopters were selected to carry out search-and-rescue operations, anti-submarine warfare, and reconnaissance tasks. In January 2014, DAPA revealed plans to arm its Wildcats with Spike NLOS missiles, enhancing their stand-off strike capabilities against targets such as ground artillery and small maritime vessels. By April 2015, the South Korean authorities were evaluating an additional order of 12 Wildcats to bolster the Navy’s anti-submarine warfare strength; alternatives under consideration included the MH-60 Seahawk and the indigenous KAI KUH-1 Surion helicopter. On 13 June 2016, four Wildcats were officially delivered to the Republic of Korea Navy. These helicopters are deployed aboard the Navy’s Incheon-class guided missile and coastal defense frigates. The remaining four aircraft were handed over by late November 2016. The Wildcats operated by the ROK Navy are equipped with a Seaspray 7400E radar system providing full 360-degree situational awareness.

By February 2017, the first four AW159 helicopters had become fully operational. Their advanced AESA radar combined with electro-optic thermal imaging sensors enable detection of surface contacts at distances up to 360 km (220 mi; 190 nmi). For anti-submarine roles, endurance exceeds three hours when outfitted solely with the Thales FLASH dipping sonar; this reduces to approximately two hours when carrying both sonar and one Blue Shark torpedo, and about one hour or more when armed with sonar plus two torpedoes. Additionally, these helicopters have the capability to deploy sonobuoys during missions.

Philippines

File:AW-159 Philippine Navy.jpg
An AW-159 Wildcat of the Philippine Navy aboard the BRP Antonio Luna FF-151.

In 2014, reports indicated that the Philippine Navy was evaluating the AW159 for acquisition.[23] By March 2016, AgustaWestland secured a €100 million contract with the Department of National Defense to supply two helicopters, including associated training and support services. This initiative was designed to equip the Navy with anti-submarine warfare (ASW) and anti-surface warfare capabilities. Before integrating the Wildcat, the Philippines did not possess ASW assets, despite increasing submarine activity in the surrounding region.[24]

The delivery of two AW159 anti-submarine helicopters to the Philippines took place on 7 May 2019.[25] These helicopters were procured to operate from the Jose Rizal-class frigates.[26][27]

Others

In 2016, Malaysia was reportedly exploring options to expand its helicopter fleet within the Royal Malaysian Navy, considering models such as the AW159, Sikorsky MH-60R Seahawk, or Airbus Helicopters H225M.[28] On 20 April 2016, Finmeccanica (now known as Leonardo) entered into a partnership agreement with Global Komited, a Malaysian defense firm, to collaboratively market and supply the AW159 Wildcat to Malaysia's government.[29][30]

In 2024, Leonardo formalized a Memorandum of Understanding with the New Zealand Defence Force concerning the prospective provision of AW159 helicopters for use by the Royal New Zealand Navy and Air Force. The NZDF plans to replace its fleet of eight remaining Super Seasprite helicopters with new platforms capable of both ASW and anti-surface warfare roles by the late 2020s.[31]

Variants

File:SDSC 3060-high.jpg
Wildcat AH1 operated by the British Army Air Corps 652(OC) Squadron
Wildcat AH1
This model serves as the primary battlefield reconnaissance helicopter, with 34 units procured for the Army Air Corps.
Wildcat HMA2
Designed for maritime operations, this variant has seen an order of 28 helicopters allocated to the Royal Navy.

Current operators

Template:PHL
  • Philippine Navy: Currently operates 2 AW159 helicopters, with plans to acquire an additional 6 units.
    • 42nd Anti Submarine Helicopter Squadron
Template:KOR
  • Republic of Korea Navy: Maintains a fleet of 8 AW159 helicopters.
    • 62nd Maritime Helicopter Group
      • 622 Flight Squadron
      • 627 Flight Squadron
Template:GBR

Future operators

Template:DZA

Specifications (AW159)

File:AgustaWestland AW159 Lynx Wildcat MOD 45152773.jpg
Frontal perspective of an AW159 Wildcat, highlighting the retracted nose-mounted optical sensor concealed behind the window.
File:2023-05-12 AW159 Wildcat 003.jpg
An AW159 Wildcat helicopter operated by the Philippine Navy, equipped with K745 Blue Shark torpedoes, showcased at the Philippine Fleet Defense Expo (PFDX) 2023

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Template:Aircraft specs

See also

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References

  1. ↑ 1.0 1.1 "UK revamps helicopter strategy." Archived 1 July 2016 at the Wayback Machine Flight International, 12 October 2004.
  2. ↑ Hoyle, Craig. "EADS offers to solve UK helicopter crisis." Archived 1 July 2016 at the Wayback Machine Flight International, 30 November 2004.
  3. ↑ Lua error in Module:Citation/CS1/Configuration at line 2123: attempt to index field '?' (a nil value).
  4. ↑ Hoyle, Craig. "UK to decide on future helicopters." Archived 1 July 2016 at the Wayback Machine Flight International, 15 March 2005.
  5. ↑ "UK commits to Future Lynx helicopter." Archived 1 July 2016 at the Wayback Machine Flight International, 29 March 2005.
  6. ↑ Trimble, Stephen. "Rivals stay quiet over UK Future Lynx award – for now." Archived 1 July 2016 at the Wayback Machine Flight International, 5 April 2005.
  7. ↑ "UK close to forging Future Lynx deal." Archived 1 July 2016 at the Wayback Machine Flight International, 24 January 2006.
  8. ↑ "AgustaWestland Awarded Future Lynx Contract" Archived 7 July 2011 at the Wayback Machine. AgustaWestland, 22 June 2006.
  9. ↑ Morrison, Murdo. "Pictures: AgustaWestland to supply 70 Future Lynx helicopters to UK." Archived 3 August 2016 at the Wayback Machine Flight International, 22 June 2006.
  10. ↑ Cite error: Invalid <ref> tag; no text was provided for refs named into manuf
  11. ↑ Hoyle, Craig. "AgustaWestland seeks export buyers for AW159 'Lynx Wildcat'." Archived 1 July 2016 at the Wayback Machine Flight International, 30 April 2009.
  12. ↑ Hoyle, Craig. "UK cuts Future Lynx deal, delays new carriers" Archived 19 December 2008 at the Wayback Machine. Flight International, 12 December 2008.
  13. ↑ Cite error: Invalid <ref> tag; no text was provided for refs named AW159_announce
  14. ↑ "Wildcat impresses during its first trials aboard a warship." Archived 3 March 2012 at the Wayback Machine Navy News, 17 January 2012.
  15. ↑ "Wildcat crews begin training." Archived 21 October 2013 at the Wayback Machine Fleet Air Arm Officers Association, 22 July 2013.
  16. ↑ Gardener, Claire. "Anti-pirate Wildcat helicopter unveiled by Royal Navy." Archived 31 January 2013 at the Wayback Machine The Scotsman, 29 January 2013.
  17. ↑ Lua error in Module:Citation/CS1/Configuration at line 2123: attempt to index field '?' (a nil value).
  18. ↑ Lua error in Module:Citation/CS1/Configuration at line 2123: attempt to index field '?' (a nil value).
  19. ↑ Lua error in Module:Citation/CS1/Configuration at line 2123: attempt to index field '?' (a nil value).
  20. ↑ "AW159 South Korea delivery due this year." Archived 30 September 2015 at the Wayback Machine Flightglobal.com, 17 September 2015.
  21. ↑ Lua error in Module:Citation/CS1/Configuration at line 2123: attempt to index field '?' (a nil value).
  22. ↑ Lua error in Module:Citation/CS1/Configuration at line 2123: attempt to index field '?' (a nil value).
  23. ↑ Lua error in Module:Citation/CS1/Configuration at line 2123: attempt to index field '?' (a nil value).
  24. ↑ Lua error in Module:Citation/CS1/Configuration at line 2123: attempt to index field '?' (a nil value).
  25. ↑ Lua error in Module:Citation/CS1/Configuration at line 2123: attempt to index field '?' (a nil value).
  26. ↑ Lua error in Module:Citation/CS1/Configuration at line 2123: attempt to index field '?' (a nil value).
  27. ↑ Lua error in Module:Citation/CS1/Configuration at line 2123: attempt to index field '?' (a nil value).
  28. ↑ Lua error in Module:Citation/CS1/Configuration at line 2123: attempt to index field '?' (a nil value).
  29. ↑ Lua error in Module:Citation/CS1/Configuration at line 2123: attempt to index field '?' (a nil value).
  30. ↑ Lua error in Module:Citation/CS1/Configuration at line 2123: attempt to index field '?' (a nil value).
  31. ↑ Lua error in Module:Citation/CS1/Configuration at line 2123: attempt to index field '?' (a nil value).
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External links

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