The Agusta A129 Mongoose is a European attack helicopter that was initially created and manufactured by the Italian company Agusta.
It holds the distinction of being the first attack helicopter to be entirely designed and produced in Europe.
AgustaWestland, the successor company to Agusta, has been responsible for its ongoing development.
Since its introduction in 1990, the Italian Army has been the sole operator of this formidable aircraft.
The A129 helicopter has been utilised in various combat missions in countries such as Somalia, Afghanistan, and Iraq.
It has demonstrated effectiveness in hot weather conditions and has shown versatility in different operational environments.
Since its introduction into service with the Italian Army, the initial fleet of 60 helicopters has undergone numerous upgrades, enhancing its capabilities with features like expanded munitions compatibility, advanced targeting systems, upgraded avionics, improved data management, and a stronger transmission system.
Different enhancements and export versions have been suggested, such as specialised naval and reconnaissance adaptations.
The TAI/AgustaWestland T129 ATAK variant was created by Turkish Aerospace Industries in partnership with AgustaWestland for the Turkish Army and potential export clients.
A new, larger successor to the A129 for the Italian Army, known as the Leonardo Helicopters AW249, has been in development since 2017.
Variants
A129 Mangusta
Original production version, powered by two Rolls-Royce Gem 2 turboshaft engines.
Maximum take-off weight of 4,100 kg; 45 built for the Italian Army.
A129 International
Upgraded version developed for export with more powerful LHTEC T800 turboshafts; in its final configuration, it had a five-bladed main rotor, an improved transmission, a M197 gatling cannon in a customized OTO Melara TM-197B nose turret, improved avionics and support for Hellfire anti-tank missiles and Stinger air-to-air missiles.
Maximum take-off weight of 5,000 kg.
A129 CBT / A129C
Upgraded “Combat” (CBT) version for the Italian Army incorporates most of the features of the A129 International but retaining the original Gem turboshaft engines (although an upgraded transmission system is fitted); its main anti-tank weapon remains the TOW missile; it can be equipped with auxiliary fuel tanks for extended range and Stinger missiles for escort duties.
Maximum take-off weight of 4,600 kg; 15 built for the Italian Army, plus all 45 standard A129s later upgraded to A129C standard.
A129D
(AgustaWestland AW129D)
Updated version of the A129C with improved avionics, comprising multifunctional displays, and a new Rafael TopLite III optronic system in place of the original Saab HeliTow unit; the TOW missiles are replaced by the much more modern and capable Spike-ER missiles.
Maximum take-off weight of 4,600 kg; 32 A129C have been upgraded to the A129D standard.
T129 ATAK
Turkish attack helicopter based on the A129 International, featuring Turkish-made avionics and weaponry.
Military designations
AH-129A
Italian military designation for the A129 from 2012.
AH-129C
Italian military designation for the A129C from 2012.
AH-129D
Italian military designation for the A129D from 2012.
The A129 in Italian Army service has been designated as EA-1 (Elicottero d’Attacco – Attack Helicopter 1), later changed to EC-1 (Elicottero da Combattimento – Combat Helicopter 1) and ultimately to EES-1 (Elicottero da Esplorazione e Scorta – Scout and Escort Helicopter 1).
Specifications
Crew
2
Length
12.28 m (40 ft 3 in)
Height
3.35 m (11 ft 0 in)
Empty weight
2,530 kg (5,578 lb)
Max take-off weight
4,600 kg (10,141 lb)
Powerplant
2 × Rolls-Royce Gem 2-1004D (license built by Piaggio) turboshaft engines,
664 kW (890 hp) each
Main rotor diameter
11.9 m (39 ft 1 in)
Main rotor area
111.2 m2 (1,197 sq ft) 5-bladed main rotor
Performance
Maximum speed
278 km/h (173 mph, 150 kn)
Cruise speed
229 km/h (142 mph, 124 kn)
Range
510 km (320 mi, 280 nmi)
Ferry range
1,000 km (620 mi, 540 nmi)
Service ceiling
4,725 m (15,502 ft)
Rate of climb
10.2 m/s (2,010 ft/min)
Armament
Guns
1× 20 mm (0.787 in) M197 three-barrel Gatling-type cannon (500 rounds) in a TM197B Light Turreted Gun System (only CBT version)
12.7 mm (.50 in) machine gun pod
Rockets
4 pods with 38 × 81 mm (3.19 in) unguided rockets
Or
76× 70 mm (2.75 in) unguided rockets
Or
Missiles
8× AGM-114 Hellfire
Or
BGM-71 TOW
Or
Spike-ER anti-tank missiles
4-8 × AIM-92 Stinger
Or
Mistral anti-aircraft missiles.
Sources
Twenty First Century Military Helicopters: Today’s Fighting Gunships-S Crawford.
