Prototype of Leonardo AW249 Flies

[NutLoose]

Prototype of Leonardo AW249 did maiden flight, a fast compare with one of the latest render published. 1st of all what thought was a "bigger AW129", have a completly different fuselage, note the grid on engine air intakes and the bump on tail attack, that seems to be a radome.

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[chopper2004]

From the avitionist

cjeers

[chopper2004]

https://theaviationist.com/2022/09/1...9ysI-bPncLnMNI

[henra]

Originally Posted by chopper2004

https://theaviationist.com/2022/09/1...9ysI-bPncLnMNI

What really strikes me with the design are the huge panorama side windows. Bullet proof glass is normally much heavier than regular armour (assuming they are bullet proof -otherwise I wouldn't want to be sitting there that open on a 'garden chair'). And an Attack Helicopter is usually attacking targets towards the forward arc and avoiding overflying targets and getting attacked from the sides or rear.
Can someone enlighten me? Why are these huge side windows a good idea?

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They will probably install armoured seats on the production models.

[SASless]

Here is the Standard for Western Attack Helicopters AH-64 Apache.


The USMC AH-1W Super Cobra.

[henra]

Originally Posted by SASless

Here is the Standard for Western Attack Helicopters AH-64 Apache.

That was basically why I was asking that question. The windows of the Apache are much smaller and tailored around the required visibility, and the seats are protecting much of the crew's bodies. At an angle of 45° from below there won't be much left to hit unprotectedly.
In case of the AW249 if you cover all that open space with seat armour still the question remains why putting heavy and vulnerable (and reflecting) windows in the first place and then blocking view with seat side walls? On the other hand there is a massive frame in the upper corners, limiting visibility when in NoE flight at speed. Window layout of the AW249 appears to me quite counter- intuitive for an attack helicopter.

[JohnDixson]

The cockpit armored seats on the UH-60 have side wings on the outboard side of each seat, that can be slid forward, providing ballistic protection for ones torso from side shots, I'd be very surprised if the Apache doesn't have similar.as it has the same customer. Have no information re how AW does ballistic protection: what standards they use.