The Leonardo AW169 is a twin-engine helicopter that closely resembles the AW139 and AW189 medium helicopters, but is smaller and lighter. The first prototype flew in 2012 and utilises many of the same internal systems as its larger siblings, reducing development costs and maintenance costs for operators of multiple types.
The AW169 is very popular in both the civilian and military sectors. As a multi-purpose helicopter, this type can carry up to ten people (or seven people in a VIP configuration). A special military version has been developed as the AW169M, which has full multi-role capabilities and can perform missions ranging from troop transport to SAR and surveillance.
The Italian Army has the AW169M, known as AW169LUH or UH-169 in service. The UH-169 will eventually replace five types currently in service and the Italian Army will eventually receive 15 of the UH-169/AW169LUH.
The UH-169B differs from the main version of the UH-169 in that it has retractable landing gear, while the main version is equipped with skids.
Leonardo UH-169B
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