Guardia di Finanza Adds to Multi-Mission Helo Fleet with All-Around Performer

Leonardo tendered the Guardia di Finanza with the force's first twin-engine AW169M helicopter, providing the financial enforcement arm with a heretofore unseen level of rotary wing performance.

The handover took place at Leonardo's Vergiate assembly line, with company reps and Guardia staff on hand to commemorate the occasion. The helicopter is just the first of 24 in all, broken down into 6 fixed-gear and 18 skid-equipped AW169M light-intermediate twin engine helicopters overall. The skid option is a relatively new addition to the company's portfolio, going from a rumor in 2020 to a customer favorite today. The AW169Ms will be put into use with the financial Guardia as maritime patrol, homeland customs security, law enforcement, and rescue aircraft.

The Guardia di Finanza first received its initial military-certified AW169M in late 2019, kicking off its fleet modernization plans. The aircraft delivered to the Guardia feature dedicated combination of equipment exclusive to their order, where each AW169M includes a rescue hoist, an emergency floatation system, life rafts, wire cutters, TCAS II (Traffic Collision Avoidance System), a NVG-compatible cockpit, a Helicopter Terrain Awareness Warning System, an advanced communication system, advanced Health Usage Monitoring System for medevac use, a searchlight, an ice detector, SATCOM, mobile phone detector and hyperspectral detection and reconnaissance system. The helicopters are also fitted with a range of Leonardo systems such as a RW ATOS (Airborne Tactical Observation and Surveillance) system with an advanced operator console, Gabbiano radar, LEOSS (Long Range Electro-Optical Surveillance System), M428 IFF transponder, OPLS (Obstacle Proximity Lidar System), V/UHF radio systems cockpit panels and lighting.

Overall, the system provides a multi-mission, all-weather, IFR-ready aircraft. Leonardo's dedicated SAR modes allow the pilots to designate a search pattern in the FMS and greatly decrease their workload when flying longer, repetitive missions.

FMI: www.leonardo.com