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The AW 149 TUHP is the AgustaWestland candidate for the Turkish Utility Helicopter Programme (TUHP). It is a new generation 8.1 ton medium lift helicopter, derived from AW 139, with inherent multi-role capabilities and designed to meet modern military requirements.
Design Features
The helicopter features a state-of-the-art ballistic tolerant composite high efficiency fully articulated five-blade main rotor and a four-bladed tail rotor granting smooth riding together with high speed and low vibration and noise signature. The roomy unobstructed cabin, capable of hosting up to 18 troops, has large sliding doors allowing easy and quick access and egress for troops and the loading of bulky equipment.
With a fully digitised avionics with open architecture and fully integrated mission equipment, a modern glass cockpit and a 4-axis auto-pilot reducing pilot workload and helping the crew concentrate on the mission, the AW 149 TUHP is specifically designed for the modern battlefield with redundant critical systems.
The helicopter is characterised by a rugged construction incorporating armoured pilot seats, crashworthy troop seats, and self sealing fuel tanks to maximise survivability. Easy ground handling and taxiing as well as operation from unprepared terrain is made possible by the heavy-duty nose-wheel high energy absorbing, semi-retractable landing gear for higher speed.
Two 2000 sph General Electric CT7-2E1 turboshaft engines with FADEC deliver high performance in hot and high conditions with outstanding one engine inoperative capabilities. The AW 149 TUHP is endowed with the latest all weather day-night operational capabilities, dedicated avionics and a NVG-compatible cockpit while icing protection will be available as an option.
The AW 149 features low signatures (acoustic, IR and radar) and an advanced integrated self-protection suite. Advanced sensors, communication and data sharing systems provide the crew with high situational awareness.
Role Capabilities
The aircraft can be configured to carry a variety of multiple combined stores, comprising external auxiliary tanks and weapon systems, on external pylons including rocket launchers, air-to-surface and machine-guns. Pintle mounted machine-guns can be fitted on fixed frame windows or in relation to the doors. Structural provisions for the installation of external cargo hook, heavy duty rescue hoist and all the other mission dependent equipments are provided.
The AW 149, thanks to the modular concept design for rapid role re-configuration, is perfectly suited to perform an impressive number of duties such as troop transport, battlefield and logistic operations, fire support, SAR and combat SAR, special forces operations, reconnaissance, surveillance, CASEVAC, command control & communication as well as external load lifting.
The AW 149 has been conceived to ease support services and reduce costs optimizing aircraft effectiveness and minimizing maintenance requirements within the whole helicopter life-cycle and dedicated support. Training services package can be provided on a cost effective through life support basis. A full “Level D” flight simulator is also envisaged.
Comparison Between AW 149 THUP and AW 139 Military Operations Version
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AW 149 TUHP
Turkish Utility Helicopter Programme
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AW 139
Military Operations Version
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| Max Take-Off Weight | 8.1 ton; 17,858 lb | 6.4 ton; 14,110 lb |
| Useful load (typical) | > 3 ton; > 6,600 lb | 2,545 kg; 5,610 lb |
| Powerplant | 2 x GE CT7-2E1 | 2 x P&W PT6C-67C |
| Engine Rating (each) AEO T/O | 1.492 kW; 2.000 shp | 1.252 kW; 1.670 shp |
| Cabin Volume | 11 m3; 389 cu ft | 8 m3; 283 cu ft |
| Cargo Bay Volume | 3 m3; 106 cu ft | 3.4 m3; 120 cu ft |
| Pilots | 2 | 1-2 |
| Passengers | up to 18 | up to 15 in light order |
| Performance (at MTOW - ISA) |
| Cruise Speed | 150 kts; 278 km/h | 165 kts; 306 km/h (TAS MCP) |
| Hovering IGE (ISA +35) | > 1.830 m; > 6.000 ft | 4.773 m; 15.660 ft |
| External Dimensions |
| Length (rotors turning) | 17.84 m; 58 ft 6 in | 16.66 m; 54 ft 8 in |
| Overall Height (rotors turning) | 5.1 m; 16 ft 5 in | 4.95 m; 16 ft 3 in |
| Main Rotor Diameter | 14.6 m; 47 ft 11 in | 13.8 m; 45 ft 3 1/4 in |
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