Originally Posted by
Copter Appreciator00
I know the Austrian military uses the Bell 212 or AB212, the Sikorsky UH-60, and now theyve ordered about 30-plus of the AW169. I dont get it, all of these three models are in the same size class; the Bell 212 and UH-60 are designed for military applications - the Bell has a large sliding door with room for a gunner (I know it's an older copter and is being supplanted by the UH60 and AW169) and the UH-60 has a dedicated part of the cabin for a gunner. The AW169 is basically a civilian helicopter shuttling people around, like for EMS for oil & gas and executive duties. The 169 has a somewhat shorter door than the 212 or 60, and can carry 8-10 troops, with a gunner that would occupy lots of door space.
Why did Austria go with the AW169, and not the AW149 (with a door gunner window/area) or just buy more UH60s? Is the AW169 going to fill non-combat military duties?
they also operate the Bell OH-58C Kiowa and my photos from AirPower
And that used for training as well as light observation / gunship role.
cheers