Lt-Gen Teo Luzi (left) and Leonardo Helicopters MD Piero Cutillo celebrate the delivery.
Photo: Leonardo Helicopters
The Italian Carabinieri has taken delivery of its sixth AW169M, part of the fleet modernisation programme, which has seen the Carabinieri add AW139s and AW119Kxs to its fleet in addition to its 169s. On hand for the delivery at Leonardo’s Vergiate final assembly line was the Commander of the Carabinieri, Lt. Gen. Teo Luzi, who was updated on the programme’s status.
The Carabinieri’s AW169Ms feature a special configuration including a rescue hoist, wire cutter, fast roping system, cargo hook, advanced ground proximity system, a night vision goggle-compatible cockpit, and searchlight. Further equipment and mission systems provided by Leonardo are integrated into the helicopter, including, among others, the LEOSS II electro-optics, mission console, IFF transponder, tactical radio, and the OPLS (Obstacle Proximity LiDAR System) collision avoidance system.
The technology upgrades enhance not only the Carabinieri’s core law enforcement mission but also environmental monitoring, as well as firefighting and search and rescue missions.
