Leonardo
Leonardo is an Italian company that specializes in defense, security and aerospace. Founded in 1948, making them one of the oldest corporations on the list of top aircraft manufacturers. The company has around 50,000 employees to date. This company designs and manufactures commercial and military aircraft, as well as helicopters. Like other big aircraft manufacturers, Leonardo created its brand name as one of the major aircraft manufacturers in the world.
The company is part of a network of joint ventures and product partnerships such as Eurofighter which led to the development of Eurofighter Typhoon. The company built the Eurofighter Typhoon, a military fighter jet, in collaboration with Airbus and BAE systems. As of 2020, there were just over 500 of them in the world. They are used primarily by European militaries such as the British Army, though also have some customers in the Middle East, including the armies of Kuwait and Saudi Arabia.
Leonardo also engages in the helicopter market. Leonardo produces a variety of helicopters for both the commercial and defense markets, including all the primary weight categories, from 1.8-tonne single-engine to 16-tonne three-engine helicopters. The company delivers best-in-class helicopters and services. Thanks to its expertise, Leonardo manages all stages of research, design, development, production, customer support and training of an extensive range of modern helicopters for commercial, public services, security and defense applications. Their aircrafts combine operational flexibility with the ruggedness needed to accomplish military missions. Their aircrafts are designed around crews that will employ them for training, defense, tactical transport and surveillance exploiting their superior performances.
Some famous models are C-27J Spartan, Eurofighter Typhoon, Aermacchi M-346, ATR 42MP, F-35 Lightning II, AW101, AW609, AW169, AW139 and AW189, AW119Kx, etc.
The C-27J Spartan Next Generation answers the call for a highly flexible tactical airlifter capable of performing in the most extreme operational environments. From humanitarian relief to troop transport and medevac roles, the combat-proven C-27J can be reconfigured quickly, enabling operators to transport more and reach further.
The combat-proven Eurofighter Typhoon is the world’s most advanced new generation swing-role combat aircraft. Selected by nine Air Forces, Typhoon has flown over 580,000 hours, from Europe to the South Atlantic and the Middle East. A twin-engine, supersonic, single or two-seat multi-role combat aircraft, Typhoon incorporates the latest technologies and is manufactured using advanced materials, industrial processes and assembly techniques. The fusion of the aircraft’s on-board active and passive sensors gives pilots superior situational awareness and net-centric operational capability.
The Aermacchi M-346 is the most advanced jet trainer and has been designed for a wide range of training capabilities, long-term reliability and cost-effective operations. The aircraft is in service with the Air Forces of Italy, Republic of Singapore, Israel and Poland with 80 aircraft already ordered. The twin-engine, tandem-seat M-346 has four channel Fly-By-Wire Flight Control System, redundant main systems, state-of-the-art avionics with latest human-machine interface with Multi-Function Displays (MFD), Head-Up Displays (HUD), Hands On Throttle And Stick (HOTAS) controls, in-flight safety features like PARS (Pilot Activated Attitude Recovery System). An APU (Auxiliary Power Unit) provides autonomous operations. Its Embedded Tactical Training System (ETTS) allows the M-346 to emulate on-board sensors, weapons, Computer Generated Forces (CGF) as well as allowing pilots to interact in real time with a virtual tactical scenario in a Live (aircraft in flight), Virtual (simulators) and Constructive (ETTS) - LVC environment, further enhancing flexibility and cost reduction.
The ATR 42MP combines the reliability, maintainability and low life-cycle cost of its commercial ATR ancestor with a fully integrated state-of-the-art mission system, advanced sensors and a complete communication suite to create an effective and affordable force multiplier optimized for maritime operations.
The versatility of the AW101 platform permits customers to configure the helicopter for a wide range of primary and secondary roles. Designed with sophisticated avionics and mission systems, coupled with long range and endurance, it provides operational persistence for all missions. This mission flexibility makes the AW101 the most advanced, versatile and capable multi-role helicopter available today. Exceptional performance and comprehensive self-protection measures enable the AW101 to operate worldwide in the most demanding theatres.
The AW609 answers the need for an aircraft with the speed, range and altitude of a fixed-wing turboprop airplane and the vertical take-off and landing versatility of a helicopter. The pressurized cabin and smooth low vibration levels cruise ensure passengers arrive are fully refreshed and ready for the next meeting or holiday. Capable of flying at 25,000 ft and into known icing conditions, the AW609 won’t let bad weather ruin your travel plans. The aircraft is ready for flight day or night, thanks to an advanced synthetic vision system and retractable, steerable landing light to show the way. Manufactured from high-strength composites, the AW609’s cabin offers a variety of VIP seating options to allow up to eight passengers, with a 5 ft (1.52 m) high aisle to ensure easy access. A refreshment center and bathroom are available to further enhance the experience. High levels of personalization are a hallmark of the AW609.
Leonardo Helicopters is the first rotorcraft manufacturer to introduce a "Family" of three advanced helicopters: the AW169, AW139 and AW189. All AWFamily helicopters possess the same high performance flight characteristics and safety features and also share a common cockpit layout and design philosophy. The distinctive shape of the AW169, AW139 and AW189 derives from a common streamlined aerodynamic design, with retractable wheeled landing gears to reduce drag and enhance cruise speed. High main and tail rotors increase safety on the ground, while reduced external dimensions minimise total footprint. The AW169, AW139 and AW189 provide excellent external visibility and share an ergonomically designed full digital glass cockpit, where information is presented using a shared methodology. AWFamily helicopters benefit from the same cabin design philosophy. Large interior volumes and constant cabin height offer an unobstructed and spacious environment, maximising working space and passenger comfort. A flat ceiling and floor allow efficient use of the full area and facilitate rapid role reconfiguration, enhancing mission flexibility.
The AW119Kx is the first light single-engine helicopter to meet all IFR standards and offers modern avionics suite and a spacious interior to enable flexibility in role. The AW119Kx represents the perfect balance between power and style and offers customers a unique combination of cost-effectiveness, high speed and unrivalled comfort. The stylish and flexible interior has been developed to ensure that passengers have a safe and memorable journey, whilst the cockpit and cabin separation maximizes privacy. With its spacious, comfortable and elegantly designed cabin, tailored to unique customer specifications, the AW119Kx offers more room than any other single-engine helicopter and can comfortably accommodate up to 6 passengers. A large, separate baggage compartment with up to 2.3 m (7 ft 6 in) maximum length maximises available space in the cabin.
The AW139 can perform a large number of missions thanks to its superior performance, proven technologies and safety features. The platform accommodates up to 15 passengers at the highest speed, in the most spacious cabin, with the best power reserve of any helicopter in its class. The AW139 surpasses all other intermediate helicopters in terms of cabin flexibility, safety, speed and comfort. A unique combination of craftsmanship and latest technology, the helicopter redefines the paradigm of flight. Designed to exceed the most rigorous regulatory standards, the AW139 features a state-of-the-art avionics and mission systems to minimize pilot workload and optimize operational efficiency. The helicopter is exceptionally comfortable due to incredibly low noise and vibration levels.
Brand origin: Italy
Revenue: $16 billion (2020)
Website: https://www.leonardocompany.com/
