Italsystem collaborates with Leonardo on the development of the AW249 Fenice, successor to the legendary AW129 Mangusta.
AW249 ‘Fenice’ project
“ The AW249 helicopter is the result of close collaboration between the Italian Ministry of Defense and Leonardo. Named AH-249A NEES – New Exploration and Escort Helicopter – ‘Fenice’, it is the only Western combat helicopter of new design, being developed to meet new and rigorous operational requirements for the next 30 years and beyond. It benefits from capabilities and technologies currently not available elsewhere in the world, uniquely bridging the evolution of rotary-wing aircraft i
n military settings.
In response to a rapidly evolving scenario, the AW249 features a completely open architecture with significant potential for further systemic growth and adaptability to meet important market requirements. In addition to high performance (speed, range, power margins, and load, operations in high temperatures and altitudes, unmatched low-altitude maneuverability and flight), among the core capabilities of the AW249 is its ability to be fully integrated and interoperable in a modern multi-domain context (air, land, sea, space, cyber). The AW249 is equipped with an advanced cockpit interface with a large digital display (LAD: Large Area Display) and touch screen capabilities (EDCU: Enhanced Display Control Unit), as well as gesture recognition, available for the two tandem seats, and a highly sophisticated Mission Management System developed by Leonardo. The displays and modern pilot helmet enable the crew to quickly access critical flight, navigation, and mission information provided by multiple sensors and advanced connectivity..“
[Source: https://www.analisidifesa.it/2024/06/leonardo-presenta-a-eurosatory-lelicottero-da-combattimento-aw249/]
Contributions of Italsystem to the AW249 project
Italsystem contributes to all phases of the EDCU, LAD, and AMMC systems development project, from requirements analysis to software development and validation of design models, from analysis to preparation and execution of tests based on Leonardo’s requirements.
The EDCU is a display for managing key flight functions, while the Large Area Display (LAD) is a unique, large-area color multifunction display for accessing functions and controls, both featuring touch-screen functionality. The AMMC is a powerful system for processing and managing all critical flight information. The software qualification level for the LAD subsystem is DAL A, whereas for AMMC and EDCU it is DAL B (in accordance with applicable DO-178C standards).
With deep expertise in aviation, regulatory constraints, and a strong engineering background, Italsystem is proud to contribute to the AW249 project and support its development through the following activities:
Software development and V&V:
- System requirements analysis for writing SRS requirements;
- Full-service verification and validation for onboard systems;
- Independent verification and validation (MIL, HIL, SIL & PIL);
- Design and development of real-time onboard software;
- Maintenance and updates of customized tools;
- Critical analysis and troubleshooting;
Avionics certification support:
Support in all phases of DO-178C certification:
- Implementation of artifacts necessary for certification according to DO-178C for single-core and multi-core platforms;
- Choosing the best approach for the software development lifecycle;
- Employee training for DO-178C certification.
