A-129 MANGUSTA

El Agusta A129 Mangusta (Mangosta), helicóptero ligero antiblindados desarrollado a partir del A109A, estaba en evaluación por el Ejército italiano a principios de los ochenta. Emplea la mayor parte de los componentes del A109, pero se caracteriza por su estrecho fuselaje completamente nuevo, provisto de una cabina en dos planos escalonada (el piloto ocupa el asiento superior). Ambas cabinas disponen de instrumentos y controles de vuelos completos como así también de asientos blindados.

Posee un rotor principal cuatripala totalmente articulado, con palas de material compuesto que resisten impactos de munición de hasta 12,7 mm y bastante tolerancia a munición de 23 mm. El fuselaje construido en un 70 % de materiales compuestos resiste también munición de 12.7 mm. Los dos motores son turbinas Rolls-Royce Gem 2, construidas en Italia bajo licencia por Piaggio.

Propuesto inicialmente en 1973, el diseño fue modificado para, a continuación, llevar a cabo en 1977 pruebas con misiles TOW. El primer vuelo del prototipo fue en 1981 (otras fuentes indican 1983).

Preliminary design of the A.129 began in 1978, and the first of four flying prototypes made its initial flight on 15 September 1983.

The A.129 uses a fully-articulated four-blade main rotor system with elastomeric bearings and low-noise profile tips. The fiberglass blades are designed to have a ballistic tolerance against hits from 12.7mm ammunition and considerable tolerance against 23mm hits. The transmission has a run-dry capability. A Harris digital integrated multiplex system controls communication, navigation, engine, armament, power distribution and utility systems. The avionics include active and passive self-protection systems, and the 70 percent composite-built airframe is resistant to 12.7mm ammunition and meets the latest crashworthiness standards. The two crew are seated in a tandem cockpit, fitted with a low-glint canopy and with a small frontal area to minimize visual and radar detection. The powerplant is two Rolls-Royce Gem 2 turbines, license-built in Italy by Piaggio.

A variety of offensive armament can be carried by the A.129 on four stub-wing attachment points, the inner pair being stressed for loads up to 300kg. All four pylons can be elevated 3° and depressed 12°. Typical antiarmour weaponry which can be carried includes eight Hughes TOW or Euro-missile HOT missiles, using a telescopic sight with laser range finder and FLIR for target acquisition, or six Rockwell Hellfires, using a mast-mounted sight, pilot's night vision equipment and integrated helmet and display sighting system.

A total of 66 A.129s had been ordered by the Italian Army by early 1984, when Agusta was also anticipating future orders from the Middle East and South America.

The A129 MANGUSTA is the most advanced combat helicopter currently in service in Western Europe. It was designed to guarantee the maximum operational efficiency and flexibility to perform missions such as anti-tank, escort and armed scout, air support, and air-to-air combat. The A129 MANGUSTA is fitted with the most up-to-date mission equipment packages. Its unique computerized management system integrates all the flight functions, fire control, and the electro-optic sensors for day, night and adverse weather operations making the A129 MANGUSTA a "weapon system" whose component performances and survivability assure mission effectiveness. The weapon system consists mainly of a HELITOW system which can carry up to 8 TOW2A missiles. In addition, the A129 can carry four 81 mm rocket launchers, gun pods or turret gun and air-to-air missiles.

Characteristics
Características

Information
Información

Characteristics
Características

Information
Información

 2 Rolls Royce
MK1004

2

881 shp each
825 shp Cont

 4975 Lbs

6200 Fts

9040 Lbs

10300 Fts

135 Kts

 15500 Fts

149 Kts

340 NM