Leonardo marks 149 Day

29 May 2021

On the 149th day of the year, 29 May 2021, we launched 149 Day, an annual celebration of Leonardo's AW149 multi-role utility helicopter. The aircraft is our latest-generation battlefield platform, reconfigurable for a wide range of demanding missions in the most severe operational environments, and the ideal solution for the UK's New Medium Helicopter requirement.

The AW149 is primed to support ‘Global Britain’, following the publication of the government’s Integrated Review of Security, Defence, Development and Foreign Policy: The Defence Command Paper (DCP) and Defence and Security Industrial Strategy (DSIS).

Norman Bone, Chair and Managing Director of Leonardo UK, remarks, “The UK’s Defence & Security Industrial Strategy provides a clear vision on how the engineering excellence of the UK Defence industry will play a major role in securing the nation’s status as a science and tech superpower.

“Given Leonardo’s investment in high-end skills and world-leading intellectual property at our sites across the country, I’m delighted to see our company and the programmes our people are helping deliver, feature so prominently in the strategy. All of us at Leonardo are proud to play a strategic role in the security of our nation and to continue providing those who serve in the UK armed forces with the capability they deserve.”

Nick Whitney, Managing Director of Leonardo Helicopters (UK), explains: “Leonardo stands ready to support the UK Government with its intention to procure a New Medium Helicopter and develop future technologies, including uncrewed systems. As we continue to invest in these future battlespace capabilities, it is fantastic to see the vitality of the next generation of engineering innovators and inventors as they begin their careers on our award-winning apprenticeship and graduate schemes.”

Read more about the AW149, including its features and mission equipment