Agusta A129 Mangusta

Infobox Aircraft
name= A129/AW129 Mangusta T129


caption= Agusta A129 Mangusta at Air 04, Payerne, Switzerland
type= Attack helicopter
manufacturer= AgustaWestland Turkish Aerospace Industries (TAI)
designer=
first flight= 15 September 1983
introduced=
retired=
status= Active service
primary user= Italian Army
more users= Turkish Army
produced= 1980s-present
number built= 60
unit cost= US$ 43 million
developed from =
variants with their own articles=

The Agusta A129 Mangusta (Mongoose) (AW129 from June 2007) is an attack helicopter manufactured by Agusta (part of AgustaWestland) of Italy. It is the first attack helicopter to be designed and produced wholly in Western Europe. A developed version, the T129, will be produced in Turkey by TAI for the Turkish Army.

Development

The A129 Mangusta was developed to provide an anti-tank attack helicopter for the Italian Army. An export version, the A129 International, is a lower-cost helicopter with added firepower and upgraded avionics.

Design of the A129 began in 1978. The first of five Mangusta prototypes performed its initial official flight on 15 September 1983, and the fifth prototype first flew in March 1986.

The A129 can be used in the anti-armour, armed reconnaissance, ground attack, escort, fire support and anti-aircraft roles.

In the anti-armour role, the helicopter can carry either Hellfire, TOW or Spike-ER missiles, or a mixture of them. The A129 can also be equipped with 81 mm or 70 mm (2.75 in) unguided rockets and has a three-barrel 20 mm cannon in a turret mounted under its nose.

For the anti-aircraft role, Stinger or Mistral missiles can be carried.

The A129 is equipped with autonomous navigation and night vision systems in order to provide both day/night and all-weather combat capabilities.

In 1986, the governments of Italy, the Netherlands, Spain and the United Kingdom signed a memorandum of understanding to investigate an improved version of the A129, called the Joint European Helicopter Tonal. ("Tonal" was derived from the name of an Aztec deity.) The Tonal was to have more powerful engines, a new rotor system, retractable landing gear, improved sensors and more powerful armament. However, the project collapsed in 1990 when Britain and the Netherlands decided to obtain the AH-64 Apache instead. Spain has since acquired the Eurocopter Tiger.

The new 15-passenger AgustaWestland AW139 utility helicopter is designed around the transmission of the A129.Fact|date=March 2007

In the Australian Army's AIR 87 project to acquire Armed Reconnaissance Helicopters, the Agusta A129, the AH-64 Apache, and the Eurocopter Tiger were short-listed from the six original tenders. In December 2001 it was announced that the contract was awarded to the Eurocopter Tiger. [ [http://www.defence.gov.au/dmo/asd/air87/main.cfm Australian Department of Defence, DMO AIR 87 - Armed Reconnaissance Helicopters Project] ]

T129 ATAK

Turkey announced on 30 March 2007 that it had decided to negotiate with AgustaWestland to purchase 51 (+40 optional) A129 helicopters. [ [http://www.ssm.gov.tr/EN/Projeler/havaaraclari/prjgrphelikopter/Pages/ATAK__K.aspx Attack and Tactical Reconnaissance Helicopter Procurement Program] ] [ [http://www.iht.com/articles/ap/2007/03/30/business/EU-GEN-Turkey-Attack-Helicopter.php International Herald Tribune: Italy's Agusta Aerospace wins Turkish attack helicopter contract] ] [ [http://www.agustawestland.com/communication_det.asp?id_news=310&yy=2007 Turkey Announces the Start of Contract Negotiations With AgustaWestland for the ATAK Project] ] Based on the A129 International, they will be assembled in Turkey by TAI as the T129. The deal is reported to be worth $3 Billion. [ [http://www.iht.com/articles/ap/2007/03/30/business/EU-GEN-Turkey-Attack-Helicopter.php Agusta wins Turkish attack helicopter contract] ] The final contract was signed on September 7, 2007. [ [http://www.tai.com.tr/en_menu2.aspx?node=15/264&menu_id=5&id=264&
] ] .

On 22 June 2008, the agreement between TUSAS Aerospace Industries and AGUSTA formally entered into force. It has now been confirmed that the T129 will be a 100% Turkish built platform. TAI under the agreement will develop: an indegenous mission computer, avionics, weapons systems, self-protection suites and the helmet-mounting cuing systems. It has also been cofirmed that TUSAS Engine Industries Inc (TEI) will manufacture under licence the next generation LHTEC CTS800-4N Engines. This engine was developed by LHTEC for use in the now defunct U.S. Army's RAH-66 Comanche armed reconnaissance helicopter program. Under the agreement, Turkey has full marketing and intellectual property rights for the T129 platform. There are also no restrictions imposed on Turkey for the transfer of such platform to third countries (Excluding Italy and England). [http://www.milliyet.com.tr/default.aspx?aType=SonDakika&Kategori=ekonomi&ArticleID=879293&Date=23.06.2008&ver=39] .

The T129 has several key improvements over the original A129 in line with the requirements of the Turkish Army: [ [http://www.vtol.org/issues.html#turkey Verification on T-129 and modifications] ]
*The T129 will carry 12 Roketsan developed UMTAS anti-tank missiles (Turkish indigenous development similar to Hellfire II) [ [http://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/aw/dti0907/index.php?startpage=46 Defense Technology International, September 2007. Page 46.] ] ;
*More powerful LHTEC T800 (CTS800-4) [http://www.tei.com.tr/1/tr/images/news/dergi/TEI%20News%20103.pdf page 7] engines have increased the maximum hovering altitude by 20%;
*Two launchers for Stinger AA missiles (a total of 4 can be carried) have been added to the exterior sides of the pylons;
*Mast radar, similar to that used in the Apache Longbow. The mast radar for TUC-1 will be based on IAI/ELTA's (Israel) surveillance and targeting radar with SAR and ISAR capability. The radar can identify land and sea targets from at least 30 kilometres. The Mast Radar for TUC-2 will be an indegenous development. On 16 July 2007, Tubitak (Turkish State Research Organization), METEKSAN Savunma Sanayii A.Ş and Bilkent University formed a consorsium for the development of an advanced millimetre wave radar, similar to the Longbow and the IAI/ELTA radars. It is planned that the radar will enter service in mid-2009. [ [http://www.ssm.gov.tr/TR/etkinlikler/imzatorenleri/Pages/KaraHedefAngajman_20070716.aspx Kara Hedef Angajmanı İçin Milimetrik Dalga Radar Teknikleri Geliştirilmesi Projesi Sözleşmesi İmza Töreni (16 Temmuz 2007) ] ]

According to Savunma ve Havacılık (Defence and Aerospace) magazine, the 51 T-129 attack helicopters will be assigned as follows: [Savunma ve Havacılık (Defence and Aerospace) magazine. Issue no: 122. October 2007. Pages 26-28.]

* One helicopter will be kept by the Turkish Ministry of Defense and will be used as a test-bed for systems development.

* The remaining 50 helicopters will be delivered to the Turkish Army. 40 more T-129 helicopters (optional) will be produced if necessary.

* The 50 T-129 helicopters will be in two different configurations, TUC-1 and TUC-2 (TUC: Turkish Configuration.)

The first 30 out of 50 will be TUC-1, while the following 20 will be TUC-2.

*T-129 TUC-1 (the first 30 units) will have:
** Indigenous mission computer
** Indigenous EW and countermeasures
** Aselsan AselFLIR-300
** Foreign helmet-mounted cueing system (either Elbit or Thales)
** Foreign missile (either Hellfire II or Spike ER)

*T-129 TUC-2 (the following 20 units) will have:
** Indigenous mission computer
** Indigenous EW and countermeasures
** Aselsan AselFLIR-300
** Aselsan AVCI helmet-mounted cueing system
** Roketsan UMTAS missile

Operational history

The Italian Army is currently (2007) the sole A129 operator and is equipped with 45 A129 Mangusta versions and has ordered another 15 A129 International versions. The Agusta A129 CBT (combat configuration) version in Italian service is based on the International, but retains the original Gem engines (see above). The first A129CBTs were delivered in October 2002. In January 2002, AgustaWestland was awarded a contract to upgrade the first 45 A129 Mangusta versions to the multi-role Agusta A129 CBT standard.

In Italian service, the Mangusta has successfully deployed with UN missions to former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, Somalia and Angola. Three helicopters were deployed in Iraq before the Italian expedition's withdrawal. Also, some are now being shipped to Afghanistan, to reinforce the Italian Army there, which has only infantry units without Italian air support.

Variants

Production models

* A129 Mangusta: Original production version, powered by two Rolls-Royce Gem 2 turboshafts.
* A129 International: Upgraded version with five-bladed rotor, nose turret, support for Hellfire and Stinger missiles, advanced avionics equipment and two LHTEC T800 turboshafts.
* A129 CBT(ComBaT): Upgraded version for the Italian army that incorporates the same advances as the A129 International version, but retains the original Gem turboshaft engines (although an uprated transmission system is fitted). It is reported that the cockpit layout is simpler than that of the A129 International.
* T129: Turkish attack helicopter based on the A129 International; [A129CBT per this source [http://www.tai.com.tr/en_menu2.aspx?node=296/298/302&menu_id=5&id=302&
] ] will be assembled in Turkey by TAI.

Proposed models

* A129 LBH: A multipurpose assault helicopter version with a structure completely different from the standard A129s, having space for carrying eight soldiers in addition to the two crew. (The abbreviation LBH stands for Light Battlefield Helicopter.)
* A129 Multi-Role Proposed version, not built.
* A129 Scout: Proposed reconnaissance version, not built.
* A129 Shipboard: Proposed naval version, not built.
* A129 Tonal: Proposed derivative for Italy, the Netherlands, Spain, and United Kingdom, with more powerful engines, a new rotor system, retractable landing gear, improved sensors, and more powerful armament. Cancelled in 1990.

Operators

;ITA
* Italian Army - currently operates 60 A129s;TUR
* Turkish Army - a total of 51 (+40 optional) to be produced in Turkey

pecifications (A129)

aircraft specifications

plane or copter?=copter
jet or prop?=prop
ref=Augusta Westland A129 Technical Data [http://www.agustawestland.com/products01_02.asp?id_product=2&id=2 Augusta Westland official site] ]

crew=2: pilot and weapon systems officer
length main=12.28 m
length alt=40 ft 3 in
height main=3.35 m
height alt=11 ft 0 in
span main=11.90 m
span alt=39 ft 1 in
area main=444.9 m²
area alt=4,789 ft²
empty weight main=2,530 kg
empty weight alt=5,575 lb
loaded weight main=
loaded weight alt=
max takeoff weight main=4,600 kg
max takeoff weight alt=10,140 lb
engine (prop)= Rolls-Royce Gem 2-1004D (license built by Piaggio)
propellers= four blade rotor
type of prop=turboshafts
number of props=2
power main= 664 kW
power alt= 890 shp
max speed main=278 km/h
max speed alt=148 knots, 170 mph
cruise speed main=229 km/h
cruise speed alt=135 knots, 155 mph
range main=510 km
range alt=275 nm, 320 mi
ferry range main=1,000 km
ferry range alt=540 nm, 620 mi
ceiling main=4,725 m
ceiling alt=15,500 ft
climb rate main=10.2 m/s
climb rate alt=2,025 ft/min
loading main=
loading alt=
power/mass main=
power/mass alt=
guns=1× 20 mm (0.787 in) three-barrel gatling-type cannon (500 rounds) (only CBT version)
missiles=
**8× AGM-114 Hellfire or BGM-71 TOW anti-tank missiles
**4-8× AIM-92 Stinger or Mistral anti-aircraft missiles
rockets=4 pods with
** 38× 81 mm (3.19 in) unguided rockets "or"
** 76× 70 mm (2.75 in) unguided rockets "or"
** 12.7 mm machine gun-pod

A129 International

aircraft specifications

plane or copter?=copter
jet or prop?=prop
ref=Augusta Westland A129 Technical Data

crew=2: pilot and weapon systems officer
length main=12.62 m
length alt=41 ft 5 in
height main=3.35 m
height alt=11 ft 0 in
span main=11.90 m
span alt=39 ft 1 in
area main=444.9 m²
area alt=4,789 ft²
empty weight main=2,530 kg
empty weight alt=5,580 lb
loaded weight main=
loaded weight alt=
max takeoff weight main=5,100 kg
max takeoff weight alt=11,245 lb
engine (prop)= LHTEC T800-LHT-800
propellers= five blade rotor
type of prop=turboshafts
number of props=2
power main= 1,024 kW
power alt= 1,373 shp
max speed main=294 km/h
max speed alt=160 knots, 184 mph
cruise speed main=269 km/h
cruise speed alt=145 knots, 167 mph
range main=561 km
range alt=303 nm, 341 mi
ferry range main=1,000 km
ferry range alt=540 nm, 620 mi
ceiling main=6,096 m
ceiling alt=20,000 ft
climb rate main=13.97 m/s
climb rate alt=2,750 ft/min
loading main=
loading alt=
power/mass main=
power/mass alt=
guns=1× 20 mm (0.787 in) three-barrel gatling-type cannon (500 rounds)
missiles=
**8× AGM-114 Hellfire, BGM-71 TOW, Hydra 70, Spike-ER or AIM-9 Sidewinder anti-tank missiles and Sura D/Snora.
**4-8× AIM-92 Stinger or Mistral anti-aircraft missiles
rockets=4 pods with
** 38× 81 mm (3.19 in) unguided rockets "or"
** 76× 70 mm (2.75 in) unguided rockets "or"
** 12.7 mm machine gun-pod

ee also

aircontent
related=
* Agusta A109
* AgustaWestland AW139

similar aircraft=
* AH-1 Cobra
* AH-1 SuperCobra
* AH-64 Apache
* Denel AH-2 Rooivalk
* Eurocopter Tiger
* Kamov Ka-50/Ka-52
* Mil Mi-28
* HAL Light Combat Helicopter

lists=
* List of attack aircraft
* List of helicopters
* List of military aircraft of Italy

see also=

References

External links

* [http://www.agustawestland.com/products01_01.asp?id_product=2 A129 page on AgustaWestland.com]
* [http://www.tai.com.tr/en_menu2.aspx?node=15/264&menu_id=5&id=264&
]
* [http://www.airforce-technology.com/projects/agusta/ airforce-technology.com A129 page]