Leonardo Agusta to develop new anti-tank gunship helicopter.

[Stratofreighter]

...would not surprise me if the successor is to look a lot like the present-day AW129 Mangusta.

http://www.leonardocompany.com/en/-/acc ... -m345-nees

The new exploration and escort helicopter will replace the AW129 used by the Italian Army which is nearing 30 years in operation

The multiyear contract for the new exploration and escort helicopter (NEES) of the Italian Army
envisages the study, development, industrialization, production and testing
of a prototype and three initial production aircraft.

Through this new programme, based on a total requirement for 48 units,
the Italian Army will be able to replace the current fleet of AW129
which are expected to be retired from service by 2025 following over 35 years in operations.

The NEES programme will benefit from the long operational expertise gained by the Italian Army thanks to the AW129 and from the know-how of Leonardo in this specific helicopter sector.
It will allow the service to introduce an even more technologically advanced product, with greater performance and lower operating costs, to meet arising needs in evolving scenarios for the next 30 years.

Rome 13/01/2017 17:50