The Italian Army has launched a strategy and technology blueprint that stresses the role of civilian emergency operations and gives details of planned helicopter and vehicle procurements.
The plan stresses the need for the Army to become more "dual" — ready to take on tasks during civilian emergencies and disasters, and to shape a suitable command-and-control set-up. Greater service digitization is also called for.
Future aviation procurement
The document describes the planned development of a family of tiltrotors for dual use ranging from 8 to 14 tons.
That first tiltrotor could be a commercial acquisition, after which the Army could oversee the development of a 14-ton tiltrotor able to transport 15 personnel or a load of 2.5 tons.
The Army would require the larger tiltrotor to be able to control UAVs.
The Army was more likely eyeing developments of the planned AgustaWestland AW609 tiltrotor than the Boeing Osprey. Italian firm AgustaWestland is now going alone in the development of its AW609 after ending a partnership with Bell. The firm has long left the door open to a military version.
A second helicopter planned in the document would also likely provide work for AgustaWestland. Looking beyond the current service of the AW129 assault helicopter, which has served effectively in Afghanistan and is now being upgraded, the document envisages a successor to the AgustaWestland AW129 being developed.
Weighing 5 tons, the new model would be able to launch and control small UAVs.
The Army also envisages operating armed, unmanned helicopters.
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Italy; Army future aviation plans
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