The AW159 is a compact and robust aircraft that boasts advanced avionics and mission systems, providing exceptional tactical capability.
Evolving from the renowned Lynx helicopter, this aircraft brings new technology and enhanced capabilities for operations in maritime and land domains.
The AW159 was conceptualised as a versatile helicopter optimised for shipboard operations, featuring exceptional ship/air interface capabilities and compact dimensions for confined deck spaces.
It is equipped to perform a wide range of missions, including intelligence, surveillance, target acquisition and reconnaissance (ISTAR), maritime interdiction operations (MIOPS), anti-surface warfare (ASuW), anti-submarine warfare (ASW), logistics support, and search and rescue (SAR) missions.
Additionally, the AW159 seamlessly integrates with unmanned systems to enhance operational endurance during demanding maritime missions.
The AW159 is equipped with fully integrated mission systems, allowing for seamless coordination of various components such as role-installable mission kits, weapons including torpedoes, air-to-surface missiles, and crew-served heavy machine guns.
This integration enables the helicopter to effectively carry out multi-domain find, fix, and strike operations.
Additionally, integrated systems and the Human Machine Interface (HMI) facilitate the efficient collection, processing, and assessment of information, enhancing the crew’s situational awareness and providing them with a tactical advantage.
Furthermore, the AW159 platform offers a range of safety features, including the option to configure the Maritime variant with a four-bag flotation system, crash position indicator (CPI), and sonar locating beacon.
Additionally, the AW159 can be equipped with a fully integrated and scalable defensive aid suite (DAS), radar warning and electronic surveillance measures, missile and laser warning.
These features are seamlessly integrated through the Tactical Processor (TP), providing enhanced situational awareness in hostile environments.
The AW159 boasts exceptional pilot control capability during embarked operations from single spot combatants in adverse weather conditions, thanks to its robust design, compact dimensions, high thrust margins, and excellent control response.
Additionally, it is equipped with a Deck Lock (‘Harpoon’) system and negative thrust capability, ensuring maximum safety during deck operations even in sea conditions up to Sea State 6.
Variants
Wildcat AH1
Initial battlefield reconnaissance model, total of 34 ordered for the Army Air Corps.
Wildcat HMA2
Initial maritime model, total of 28 ordered for the Royal Navy.
Specifications
Crew
2 pilots
Capacity
6 passengers, including door gunner
Length
15.24 m (50 ft 0 in)
Height
3.73 m (12 ft 3 in)
Empty weight
3,300 kg (7,275 lb)
Max take-off weight
6,000 kg (13,228 lb)
Powerplant
2 × LHTEC CTS800-4N turboshaft,
1,015 kW (1,361 hp) each
Main rotor diameter
12.8 m (42 ft 0 in)
Main rotor area
128.7 m2 (1,385 sq ft)
Performance
Maximum speed
311 km/h (193 mph, 168 kn)
Range
777 km (483 mi, 420 nmi)
Ferry range
963 km (598 mi, 520 nmi)
Endurance
2 hr 15 min (4 hr 30 min with auxiliary fuel tanks)
Armament
Pintle-mounted machine gun, e.g. FN MAG (Army) or Browning M3M (Navy).
Air-to-surface missile systems and ASW weapons (Naval HMA2 variant)
Up to 20 × Thales Martlet (Lightweight Multirole Missile), formerly Future Anti-Surface Guided Weapon (Light).
Or
Up to 4 × MBDA Sea Venom, formerly Future Anti-Surface Guided Weapon (Heavy), to disable or destroy vessels up to 1000 tonnes (projected for full operating capability in 2026).
Or
Sting Ray torpedo and Mk.11 depth charges.
South Korean and Philippine naval loadout
K745 Blue Shark torpedoes
Spike NLOS ATGM-based antiship missiles
Avionics
Thales Underwater Systems Compact FLASH dipping sonar array
Seaspray 7400E AESA X band air-to-surface multifunction radar
