The company will showcase its latest helicopters and radar
Leonardo will attend the Seoul International Aerospace and Defence Exhibition in Seoul ADEX 2023 from 17 to 22 to strengthen its ongoing relationship with the country’s defence industry to meet the needs of the Korean government, with a focus on helicopters.
In particular, at ADEX, the company will showcase at its booth (stand 199 in Hall F ) its helicopters AW101 and AW189 as well as its RAT31 DL/M radar, and will explain more about the latest technologies, high performances and solutions on mission capability.
The AW101 is a medium-lift helicopter used for a range of applications. It is a flexible, versatile multi-role helicopter capable of performing various roles, including specialised functions like airborne mine countermeasures, amphibious support, transport and SAR. Its advanced design and technology, coupled with long range and endurance, provide operational persistence for all missions. The AW101 is, by design, able to operate in extreme weather conditions and has a control system allowing it to maintain a stable hover in 74 km/h crosswinds. The helicopter is used by several countries worldwide, including the UK, Italy and Canada, among others.
The other helicopter, the AW189, is Leonardo’s latest twin-engined, super-medium helicopter for civil and public service applications. It has proven highly successful not only in the energy support market but also in the public service one for search and rescue, MEDEVAC, firefighting, disaster relief and law enforcement. Several operators in Asian countries have already chosen it for these roles.
Leonardo is a leading helicopter partner of Korea, having previously also provided the Super Lynx for the RoK Navy, the AW139 helicopter for the Korean Coast Guard and several regional fire services, the AW119K for the Korean National Police and the GrandNew and AW169 for Emergency Medical Services (EMS) operations. The Italian company has also provided the world-class AW159 helicopter, currently in service with the Republic of Korea Navy.
Another central area of focus for Leonardo at Seoul ADEX will be the company’s RAT31 DL/M radar, an L-band solid-state 3D surveillance radar designed to protect large portions of territory thanks to its wide range. The sensor is part of a family of long-range systems with surveillance, air defence, and missile capabilities, including ballistic missiles, in support of homeland security and operational missions. The RAT 31 DL/M can adapt to the challenges posed by a broad range of operational scenarios, including those where it has to face jamming and heavy clutter simultaneously. Its highly reliable technology allows for a “graceful degradation”, meaning that even if some modules fail, the radar sustains its overall performance.
Leonardo has sold over 70 RAT 31 (Fixed and Mobile versions) in 18 countries worldwide. The radar is a crucial component of NATO’s air defence capabilities; its architecture meets the Alliance’s standards, enabling full interoperability during multinational missions.
