The Portuguese Ministry of Defence (MoD) has selected the AW119Kx as its new multirole single-engine helicopter to meet its future operational requirements.
Leonardo reports that the Portuguese Ministry of Defence (MoD) has selected the AW119Kx as its new multirole single-engine helicopter to meet its future operational requirements. The contract is valued in excess of €20m.
The Portuguese Air Force is set to take delivery of five aircraft with an option for a further two units. Deliveries are to start in late 2018 from Leonardo’s plant in Philadelphia (Pennsylvania, USA), with completion of deliveries by early 2020.
The AW119Kx helicopters will be used to perform a wide range of roles including training, MEDEVAC, troop transport and short range maritime search and rescue (SAR). They may also be used for firefighting.
The Portuguese Air Force already operates Leonardo's AW101 for long-range SAR, utility, personnel recovery and fishery protection missions, while the Portuguese Navy operates the Leonardo Super Lynx aircraft (including one Mid Life Upgrade Super Lynx 300) for maritime duties.
The AW119Kx will provide greater versatility and performance compared to the current Portuguese Air Force fleet of ageing single-engine rotary wing aircraft, as well as training capability for military crews before moving to the AW101, Super Lynx and other frontline types.