AgustaWestland AW169

Leonardo Helicopters

Company type	Division
Industry	Aerospace, defense
Predecessor	AgustaWestland
Founded	2016 (2016)
Headquarters	Rome , Italy
Parent	Leonardo S.p.A.

The AgustaWestland AW169 is a twin-engine helicopter capable of seating ten passengers and weighing approximately 4.8 tonnes, developed and produced by the helicopter division of Leonardo (previously known as AgustaWestland, which merged into Finmeccanica in 2016). This model was engineered to share design elements with its larger counterparts, the AgustaWestland AW139 and AgustaWestland AW189.

Development

On 19 July 2010, AgustaWestland officially revealed the development of the AW169 during the Farnborough Air Show. The company described the aircraft as a light-intermediate twin-engine rotorcraft with a maximum takeoff weight of around 4.5 tonnes, aimed at fulfilling various utility roles. To reduce operational expenses, a strategic decision was made early in the project to maximize commonality in both systems and cockpit layout with the larger AgustaWestland AW139. In 2011, the British Government supported the program with a $33 million loan. Subsequently, in 2012, the European Union authorized a zero-interest loan amounting to €272 million from the Italian government to aid development; this included €94 million classified as aid, with industrial research accounting for 40% and experimental development for 60% of the funding.

File:AgustaWestland AW169 Factory Demonstrator (11592509915).jpg

AW169 demonstrator, 2013

The prototype's maiden flight occurred on 10 May 2012. The flight test campaign utilized four prototypes: the first flew in May 2012, followed by the second and third later that year, and the fourth in 2013. Initial projections anticipated certification by 2014 and entry into service by 2015. The European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) granted certification on 15 July 2015.

In November 2015, one prototype was deployed to multiple sites in California, United States, to conduct high and low altitude flight testing for Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) certification purposes. The AW169 secured FAA approval in February 2016, enabling deliveries to commence within that year.

Production plans initially involved manufacturing at AgustaWestland's facility in Yeovil, England, where components such as rotor blades, intermediate and tail gearboxes, and tail rotor hubs were designed and built. Assembly of initial production units began in January 2015 at the company's factory in Vergiate, Italy. Additionally, a second production line started operating in Philadelphia, USA, during 2015 with intentions to increase output to twenty units annually by 2017. However, in October 2016, Leonardo announced it would discontinue plans for US-based production of this model.

Design

The AW169 is classified as a medium-sized twin-engine helicopter and was notable at its introduction for being the first entirely new model in its weight class in more than three decades. With an approximate weight of 4,500 kg and seating capacity ranging from 7 to 10 passengers, it fits between the 3,175 kg 8-seat AW109 GrandNew and the considerably larger 6,400 kg 15-seat AW139. This helicopter is equipped with two Pratt & Whitney Canada PW210A FADEC-controlled turboshaft engines, which allow the main rotor to operate at variable speeds to minimize noise pollution and enhance efficiency. To improve passenger comfort, newly engineered dampers are installed between the main rotor rotor blades to significantly reduce vibrations. The AW169 is also distinguished as the first production helicopter in its category to incorporate electronically controlled landing gear. AgustaWestland has reported securing a diverse clientele for this model, including sectors such as air ambulance, law enforcement, executive transport, offshore operations, and utility services.

The helicopter’s avionics suite includes advanced systems such as a Rockwell Collins glass cockpit featuring three touchscreen displays, digital mapping capabilities, dual radar altimeters, automatic dependent surveillance – broadcast (ADS-B), Health and usage monitoring systems (HUMS), and compatibility with night vision goggles (NVG). Many cockpit components and avionics share commonality with those found on the AgustaWestland AW139 and AgustaWestland AW189, ensuring robust support infrastructure. The integration of a four-axis digital automatic flight control system alongside a dual flight management system—which incorporates terrain awareness and traffic avoidance technologies—has enabled certification for single-pilot operations under instrument flight rules (IFR).

Instead of an auxiliary power unit, the AW169’s transmission includes a clutch mechanism that permits rotor stoppage while the port engine remains operational to supply power to avionics and electrical systems. Customers can opt for either a full or limited ice protection system depending on their operational needs. The helicopter’s configuration is highly adaptable, allowing installation of optional equipment such as auxiliary fuel tanks, rescue hoist, cargo hook, emergency flotation devices, external cameras, rappeling gear, wire strike protection system, mission consoles, external loudspeakers, and various external lighting setups.

In configurations optimized for utility passenger transport, the main cabin accommodates up to ten individuals. A corporate layout supports up to eight passengers, whereas a more spacious VIP arrangement seats six to seven occupants. The VIP interior—designed by Mecaer Aviation Group (MAG)—includes features like the Silens noise and vibration suppression system, the IFEEL in-flight entertainment platform, and numerous premium cabin enhancements. For emergency medical services (EMS), the cabin can be configured to hold two stretchers with convenient access on both sides of each patient; a comprehensive medical suite can also be installed to support critical care missions.

Operational history

File:AW169-G-KSST-Redhill.jpg

AW169 G-KSST operated by the Kent, Surrey and Sussex Air Ambulance

In April 2013, AgustaWestland introduced the AW169 AAS as its submission for the United States Army's Armed Aerial Scout initiative. Distinguished as the largest entry, it featured a maximum weight of 10,000 lbs—almost twice that of the Bell OH-58 Kiowa it was intended to replace. AgustaWestland emphasized this increased size for its superior cabin adaptability, allowing integration of extended-range fuel tanks, command and control modules, and manned-unmanned teaming stations. Although its dimensions posed difficulties for strategic airlift transport, the manufacturer asserted that they had developed methods to disassemble and reassemble the aircraft within the Army’s timeframe requirements. Despite these advantages in size and capability, the AAS program was discontinued by late 2013 without any procurement contracts being awarded.

By September 2015, reports indicated that the initial AW169 had been delivered to an undisclosed VIP client. The launch customer was Lease Corporation International (LCI), which had placed orders for 12 AW169s by October 2015; the first unit was outfitted specifically for offshore missions. Earlier, in October 2014, it was announced that the Kent, Surrey and Sussex Air Ambulance would be the first Helicopter Emergency Medical Services (HEMS) operator in the United Kingdom to utilize the AW169. Subsequently, in December 2015, AgustaWestland partnered with Swiss air-rescue organization REGA to develop a specialized search and rescue (SAR) version of the AW169. REGA concurrently ordered three of these tailored helicopters.

By February 2016, over 20 AW169 helicopters had been delivered globally to various operators performing diverse roles including emergency medical services (EMS), VIP transport, utility tasks, and offshore operations.

In July 2017, Norway’s National Police Directorate finalized an agreement with Leonardo for three AW169 helicopters valued at 313 million NOK. The deal encompassed ten years of maintenance and support services totaling 670 million NOK, with an option to acquire three additional units. These helicopters were slated to enter service by 2019, replacing Norway’s existing pair of Eurocopter EC135 aircraft. The primary competitor during selection was the Eurocopter EC145.

The Austrian Ministry of Defense announced in September 2020 the procurement of 18 AW169s intended to replace its aging fleet of Aérospatiale Alouette III helicopters.

In July 2023, Ascent Helicopters Ltd., a Canadian operator, secured a decade-long contract worth CAD $544 million to become British Columbia's exclusive air ambulance helicopter provider. This contract involves importing seven new AW169s expected to commence service between late 2024 and early 2025.

March 2024 saw North Macedonia finalize a €249.9 million contract with Leonardo to acquire eight helicopters—four AW149s and four AW169Ms—as part of efforts to modernize their outdated Soviet-era fleet.

In March 2025, Gama Aviation placed an order for three AW169s equipped with skids configured for emergency medical services in the UK, marking the introduction of this model into Europe’s EMS market. Concurrently, Leonardo announced new AW139 orders in China: three units for CITIC Offshore Helicopter Company and three for China General Aviation Company, with an option for a fourth helicopter, all intended for offshore transport missions.

Variants

AW169

General label for the helicopter model.

AW169 AAS

Intended designation for the armed version proposed under the Armed Aerial Scout initiative (which was later cancelled)

AW169M (Multiruolo, Multirole)

Term used for the multirole variant UH-169A, procured by the Italian Guardia di Finanza

UH-169D Light Utility Helicopter

Military-configured version tailored for the Italian Army, equipped for troop movement, support roles, armed reconnaissance, and close air support missions.

Military

Template:AUT

• Austrian Air Force has placed an order for 36 units, consisting of:
  • 6 AW169B Lion training models (5 delivered by the end of 2023)
  • 12 AW169MA Lion light multirole/attack variants
  • 18 AW169M Lion light multirole helicopters

Template:DOM

• Dominican Air Force has ordered 4 units.

Template:ITA

• Guardia di Finanza with 22 units on order and one lost in an accident.
• Italian Army has received 2 UH-169B helicopters and has placed an order for 25 UH-169D units.
• Westair Helicopters

Template:NMK

• Army of North Macedonia has placed an order for four AW169M helicopters.ref

Template:QAT

• Qatar Emiri Air Force currently operates one delivered unit with three additional helicopters on order.

Government and Civil Entities

Template:ARG

• National Gendarmerie (1 unit delivered)

Template:CAN

• British Columbia Ambulance Service, operated by Ascent Helicopters Ltd. (7 helicopters active)

1. REDIRECT Template:DEU

• Heli Service International

Template:INA

• Indonesian National Police (9 helicopters in operation)

Template:JPN

Power line inspection

• Tohoku Electric Power Network

Media coverage

• The Asahi Shimbun Company
• Asahi Broadcasting Corporation
• Nagoya Broadcasting Network Co., Ltd.
• Nippon Television Network Corporation / THE YOMIURI-SHIMBUN (Partial ownership)

Emergency response and firefighting

• Yamaguchi Prefecture Fire Fighting Disaster Prevention Air Corps
• Chiba City Fire Department Air Corps

Passenger transport

• Aero Asahi (1 unit active plus 2 units on order)

Template:NOR

• Norwegian Coastal Administration
• Norwegian Police Service

Template:NZL

• Auckland Rescue Helicopter Trust

Template:SLO

• Slovenian National Police Force (3 units delivered)

Template:SWE

• Babcock Scandinavian AirAmbulance

Template:TWN-ROC

• Emerald Pacific Airlines
• Heli Service Taiwan

Template:UK

• Cornwall Air Ambulance
• UNI-FLY utilizes the AW169 for offshore wind farm support, including heli-hoisting and maintenance crew transfers.
• Heli Service International operates the AW169 on behalf of Lincolnshire and Nottinghamshire Air Ambulance.
• Specialist Aviation Services employs the AW169 in (HEMS) roles for these air ambulance organizations:
  • Air Ambulance Kent Surrey Sussex
  • Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance
  • Essex & Herts Air Ambulance
  • Magpas

Template:USA

• (Life Link III)
• (Palm Beach County Trauma Hawk)
• (Parkview Health Samaritan)
• Travis County STAR Flight

Accidents and incidents

On 27 October 2018, the AW169 helicopter bearing registration G-VSKP, owned by Thai billionaire Vichai Srivaddhanaprabha, chairman of English football club Leicester City, crashed shortly after departing from the King Power Stadium, Leicester, United Kingdom. The aircraft was consumed by fire following the accident. Tragically, all five individuals on board lost their lives, including Vichai. An initial Special Bulletin from the Air Accident Investigation Board (AAIB) identified tail rotor failure as the cause after analysis of the flight data recorder revealed the helicopter did not respond to pilot foot pedal inputs. In December 2018, the AAIB disclosed that a rotating bearing at the tail rotor control shaft's outer end had seized, causing the shaft to unscrew itself.

Following these findings, the AAIB issued multiple Safety Recommendations to EASA concerning CS.29 (Certification Specification Large Rotorcraft).

On 27 March 2021, Italy’s Guardia di Finanza experienced a loss of a UH-169A (AW169M) helicopter at their base located at Bolzano Airport. While taxiing to its designated parking area, the crew of MM81970/504 (construction number 69109) lost control, causing the helicopter to tip over onto its side on the apron. This incident was attributed primarily to human error and resulted in significant damage to the aircraft. Fortunately, there were no injuries among the crew.

Specifications (AW169)

File:AW-169.jpg

Technical drawing

File:AgustaWestland AW169.jpg

AgustaWestland AW169 mockup displayed at model unveiling

External links

• Official AW169 Page on Leonardocompany.com