Feature
The Defense Committee of the Italian Parliament (Senate) approved a decree concerning the study, design and development of a future combat helicopter for the Aviazione dell’Esercito; a successor to the AH-129 Mangusta dubbed the Elicottero da Esplorazione e Scorta (scout and escort helicopter). Based on operational feedback, the new helicopter will have greater range, payload and power, a minimum three-hour endurance and a minimum payload of 1,400kg (3,100lb), be armed with a 20mm cannon, 70mm rockets and guided missiles, and have a low infrared signature and a high survivability rating The programme will receive €487 million between 2016 and 2025 to design and build four helicopters for the test and development phase.
