A129 Mangusta Attack Helicopter

Manufactured by Augusta and flown by the Italian Army, the A129 Mangusta is an anti-tank / close air support attack helicopter. The A129 has been in service with the Italians since 1986.

The Mangusta is fitted with sophisticated navigation and night vision systems that allow it to fly and fight at night and in poor weather. A129 pilots wear helmets featuring the IHADSS system which projects flight, sensor and weapons aiming data onto the helmet's display.

Over the years, the A129 has been upgraded with new engines, rotors and the ability to mount a wider range of weapons. This improved version is known as the A129 International and is designed for the export market. The Italian Army now flies the A129 (CBT) as its main attack helicopter which is similar to the International version but keeps the original Rolls-Royce engines.

A129 MANGUSTA FEATURES

• armored cockpits glazed with flat-plane glass for better visibility
• hydraulic landing gear struts for extra crash survivability
• engine gearboxes can run for 30 minutes following loss of lubricating oil
• 2-bladed tail rotor armored to withstand .50 caliber weapon hits
• automated data management system detects faults and suggests repairs

A129 Mangusta (CBT) Attack Helicopter Specifications

A129 armed with 8xTOW wire-guided missiles

Italian A129 CBT kitted out for close air support ops with 81/70mm rockets and 20mm gatling gun.

Crew	2 - With Pilot seated above and behind Gunner
Engines	2x Rolls-Royce Gem 2 turboshafts
Dimensions	L - 12.62 m W (rotor diameter) - 11.90 m H - 3.35 m
Weights	2,530 kg (empty) 5,100 kg (max loudout)
Max Speed	278 kph
Range	560 km
Armament	3-barrel 20mm steerable cannon mounted beneath nose (500 rounds) in the anti-tank role:    up to 8 BGM-71 TOW wire-guided anti-tank missiles    or 6 laser-guided AGM-114 Hellfire anti-tank missiles in close support role:    rocket pods of 81mm rockets (38 total)    or rocket pods of 70mm rockets (76 total) in the air-to-air role:    8x AIM-92 Stinger missiles    8x Mistral missiles
Avionics	Integrated helmet (IHADSS) Helicopter IR navigation system (HIRNS) Observation and targeting sight (DVO - TV - FLIR) Video tape recorder Radar altimeter Radar doppler Air data system ADF AHRS/GPS Integrated multiplex system with AFCS HF N° 2 V/UHF U/VHF tactical radio ICS IFF

A129 Mangusta fitted with BGM-71 TOW anti-tank missiles. .

Photo by Mike Lehmann - Agusta A129 Mangusta at Air 04, Payerne, Switzerland | source | license

INTERNAL LINKS
A129 Mangusta photos:
A129 Mangusta

EXTERNAL LINKS
AgustaWestland - Manufacturer of the A129