The A129 Mangusta is a light attack helicopter designed and produced by the Italian company Agusta (now part of Leonardo-Finmeccanica).
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It was the first fully developed Western European attack helicopter and remains one of the main components of the Italian Army’s attack aviation.
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Introduced in the 80s, the A129 was designed for various missions, including armed reconnaissance, escort, close air support, and anti-tank attack. It is equipped with a variety of weapons, such as anti-tank missiles, unguided rockets, and a nose-mounted machine gun.
The A129 is known for its agility and survivability. It features a five-blade rotor system, an aerodynamic design for increased speed and maneuverability, and protective measures including armor and electronic countermeasure systems to enhance its survivability in combat environments.
Over the years, the A129 has been upgraded and modified, leading to the development of enhanced variants. One such variant is the T129 ATAK, an improved version of the A129, developed by Turkish Aerospace Industries in partnership with AgustaWestland (now Leonardo Helicopters) for the Turkish Armed Forces.
The T129 is a more advanced and powerful version of the A129, with improvements in electronics, armament, and survivability capabilities.
| Specifications | A129 Mangusta |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer | Agusta (now part of Leonardo) |
| Main Function | Light attack helicopter |
| First Flight | September 15, 1983 |
| Introduced | 1990 |
| Crew | 2 (pilot and gunner) |
| Length | 12.28 m |
| Rotor Diameter | 11.90 m |
| Height | 3.35 m |
| Maximum Takeoff Weight | 4,600 kg |
| Powerplant | 2x Rolls-Royce Gem 2-1004D |
| Maximum Speed | 278 km/h |
| Range | 510 km |
| Armament | Anti-tank missiles, unguided rockets, nose-mounted machine gun |
Photos and Video: Reproduction Instagram @brunelheritage