AW249 attack helicopter prototype CSX82069 completes the type’s maiden flight
Leonardo Helicopters has been quietly working on the AW249 since it was awarded a €487m multiyear development contract by the Italian Ministry of Defence (MOD) under the nation’s New Exploration Escort Helicopter (NEES) programme in January 2017

Official renderings of the AW249 that’s currently under development in Italy show a mix of AW129 Mangusta features, with new engine fairings and large sponsons such as those used on the AH-64 family

An early digital rendering of the AW249 that depicts the attack helicopter in flight. Note that the platform will feature a tandem-seat cockpit configuration, with a stadium seating set-up

This digital rendering offers a good view of the front of the AW249. From this angle, you can see certain visual similarities between this new-generation attack helicopter and its predecessor, the AW129 Mangusta