Leonardo is commemorating the 50th anniversary of its A109 helicopter, a legendary product that marked a pivotal change in the firm’s history. This model empowered Italy to emerge as one of the few nations globally with an Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) capable of independent design, development, and production of helicopters, achieving remarkable success in both domestic and international markets.
Exceptional performance and velocity, an elegant design for optimal aerodynamics, in-house innovative main gearbox and transmission engineering, mission adaptability, and a high degree of personalization. Each of these traits contributed to the triumph, distinguished features, and fundamental capacities at Leonardo, significantly influencing its expanding multirole and dual-use helicopter portfolio in the subsequent decades. This journey began with the inaugural flight of the Agusta A109 on August 4, 1971.
The initiative was sparked by designer Bruno Lovera’s appeal to the then-senior management, leading to the A109 prototype taking to the skies for the first time under pilot Ottorino Lancia during the summer of 1971. The revolutionary model showcased a four-blade articulated main rotor, a semi-rigid two-blade tail rotor, and retractable landing gear, facilitating exceptional handling and overall aerial performance. The 2.4-tonne, 8-seat helicopter received certification in both Italy and the U.S. four years later, officially entering the market in 1976. This advancement also enabled the company to penetrate the highly competitive U.S. sector, establishing a logistics center in Philadelphia that would grow to become Leonardo’s helicopter industrial hub in the U.S., focusing on complete rotorcraft production, support, and training solutions.
Beginning in the mid-1970s, the early achievements led to a sustained and amplified presence of the organization in the demanding light twin segment on an international scale, offering several variants and newly accredited models for a diverse range of civil, public service, and military uses. The new 3-ton class aircraft includes the well-liked Power and Grand models, along with the more recent GrandNew and Trekker variants, as well as customized military and governmental versions such as the LUH and Nexus. With the latest innovations, Leonardo incorporated state-of-the-art digital avionics, roomy cabins, enhanced dynamics, new engines, and various main landing gear configurations, totaling over 1,600 light twin helicopters sold in 50 years to clients across more than 50 nations on all continents for operations in diverse weather and environmental conditions, both over land and sea.
