Attack Helicopter
Leonardo A129 Mangusta
The Leonardo A129 Mangusta is a light attack helicopter made by Agusta, now Leonardo, in Italy and in service with the Italian Army since 1990 to 1991. It was the first purpose-built attack helicopter in Western Europe and is the basis of the Turkish T129 ATAK.
Italy|Leonardo (AgustaWestland)What Is the Leonardo A129 Mangusta? Overview, History and Development
The A129 prototype first flew in 1983, and the type entered Italian Army (AVES) service in 1990 to 1991. Two Rolls-Royce Gem 2 engines of about 880 shp each power it, and maximum weight is about 4,100 kg for the original and 4,600 kg for the A129 International/CBT. Top speed is about 278 km/h, range about 510 km and ceiling about 4,700 m. Its tandem two-seat cockpit holds the crew of 2.
Armament includes a 20 mm turret gun, TOW or Spike-ER missiles, rockets and air-to-air missiles. About 60 were built for the Italian Army, the only operator, which flew them in Iraq, Afghanistan and Lebanon. The A129D is a reported mid-life upgrade. Italy is replacing the A129 with the AW249 Fenice, selected in 2019. The TAI T129 ATAK is built in Türkiye on the A129 International airframe and exported to the Philippines and Nigeria.
Leonardo A129 Mangusta Specifications: Speed, Range, Payload and Armament
Leonardo A129 Mangusta Variants and Versions Compared
The A129A is the original Italian Army version that entered service in 1990 to 1991.
The A129 CBT is the improved International version with a higher weight of about 4,600 kg.
The A129D is a reported mid-life upgrade of the Italian fleet.
Which Countries Use the Leonardo A129 Mangusta? Operators and Users
ItalyLeonardo A129 Mangusta FAQ: Price, Range, Operators and Most Asked Questions
How much does an A129 Mangusta cost?
Fleet upgrade programmes for the Leonardo A129 Mangusta are worth hundreds of millions of euros, according to approximate figures. No single unit price is published.
How fast is the A129 Mangusta?
The Leonardo A129 Mangusta has a maximum speed of about 278 km/h and a range of about 510 km. Its ceiling is about 4,700 m, though figures vary by source.
Which countries use the A129 Mangusta?
The Leonardo A129 Mangusta is used only by Italy, in the Army Aviation branch. No Arab operators are confirmed, and the Turkish T129 is a separate derivative.
A129 vs T129: what is the difference?
The A129 Mangusta is Italian, while the Turkish T129 ATAK is a development of the A129 International airframe with local engines and avionics. The T129 is built in Türkiye and exported to the Philippines and Nigeria.
What does Mangusta mean?
Mangusta means mongoose in Italian, and the name belongs to the Leonardo A129 attack helicopter. The type is Italy’s light attack helicopter in Army service since 1990 to 1991.
Is the A129 Mangusta being replaced?
Yes, the Italian Army is replacing the Leonardo A129 Mangusta with the AW249 Fenice, which was selected in 2019. The A129D upgrade extended the life of part of the fleet.