Agusta A109 LUH (I-EPWR)

[Would you like to see this in-game?]
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0 voters

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Description: The Agusta A109 LUH is an Italian utility helicopter made by the company Agusta in the early 2000s. This one in particular (serial number I-EPWR) was the first prototype of this version. It was not a newly built unit; it is a converted A109 E Power that was made in 1996. The conversion took place in 2000, when Agusta finished the design and moved on to the creation of the first LUH. The prototype was used mainly to develop all the features of the LUH version and for marketing. It was also used to test some unique stuff, like floaters. A total of 5 LUH prototypes were made, but only the I-EPWR remained an LUH. All the other prototypes were later converted to A109E and sold or used for marketing. The prototype is fitted with a typical forestal South African camo, with dark green, brown, and sand used mainly for marketing. Despite being a very important asset in the LUH program, the I-EPWR is actually a pretty obscure unit. Not much is known about it’s current status, but since there is no information regarding a possible conversion or its decommission, very likely the prototype is still being used by Agusta to develop and market the LUH version since not many testbeds of this variant still exist.

Why it should be in the game: It could be a good addition in the line after the A109 EOA2. It could also replace the hungarian Mi24v that is a mere russian copypaste.

Specifications:

Spoiler

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Armaments

Spoiler

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Lodouts that are not mentioned here:
2x 20 mm cannon
12x FZ231 unguided rokets
12x FZ275 laser guided rokets
Flares/chaff
Some pictures
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Sources

Spoiler

https://www.helis.com/database/cn/30150/
https://www.helis.com/database/model/A109LUH/cn
https://www.saairforce.co.za/seed/public/files/aircraft_files/3/A109LUH%20brochure.pdf
Agusta A109LUH Production List © by dgualdo.it
I-EPWR Data Sheet © by: Damiano GUALDONI
ROTORSPOT - Production list Agusta/AgustaWestland A109, AW109

Pictures

Spoiler

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The I-EPWR before being converted
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Not the I-EPWR but this is another LUH owned By Agusta this time with malaysian camo
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6 Likes

+1 for more A109

1 Like

+1 italy needs as much helis as it can get

1 Like

I would prefer this without Hellfires, as an upgrade for AW.109 we have in game already and a predecessor for A129 International in the tree.

1 Like

For that role we have this one (with 8 tow’s)
This one could be implemented after the I-DVCM that would go after the EOA2

and this one as a possible premium

1 Like

+1
It would be really cool if it was given the HOT’s and the Hellfires

TOW’s could be stock possibly to help with the grind, because of the limited rocket’s, only 2 pods might land you 1 kill, 2 if skilled, 3 if skilled and the enemy is using even less of their brain then average

1 Like

Im not sure if this is the same variant but I think this is in service the Philippine Air Force. Its got the same weapons pylon but its designated as an Attack Chopper in PH service.

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The Philippines use the A109 Power (and it does have less weapons, mainly gun pods with six hydra rokets).

1 Like

+1. I see Agusta, I like it

1 Like

Well, I work kinda near the Philippine Navy version, and as far as I know, it carries two RMPs (rocket machinegun pods) for the armed version.

Would love to see these in game, preferrably with the PAF and PN camo

4 Likes

It also carries the APKWS rockets which was tested last year in Balikatan 2024 which is why the Philippine Navy designates it as a Light Attack Helicopter (AW109 LAH). For those who dont know, APKWS is basically guided Hydra rockets.

Source: Armed Forces of the Philippines - Balikatan 2024 Facebook Video

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2 Likes

Btw if it use these then it should be good enought to suggested, as guided weapons would be much better compared to just few unguided rockets.

3 Likes

That’s the Air Force version as far as memory serves.

The ones for the Navy doesn’t carry the APKWS. But it does have EO/IR Optics.

One of the Navy helos do carry the FN RMPs on either side, as shown:

One of those figured in a mishap, that as far as I remember turned out into a BER situation, with the crew surviving,

and then another just last December:

I’d love to see both the version in-game though. A folder of them after the A109 currently in-game should be a nice consideration.

1 Like

I think the PAF has some AW109s with EO/IR systems, the Philippine Air Force’s 15th Strike Wing photo of the AW109 has it:

Source: 15SW AW-109AH

I think this is the same helicopter as the one in here, you can see the logo of the 15th Strike Wing before the tail section begins and a FLIR camera is on the front wheel section (although it seems to be weaker than what the Navy has):

Source: Knowing the AW-109 Light Utility Helicopter of the Philippine Navy and Air Force - Pitz Defense Analysis

1 Like

I essentially work near one of the two versions as a day job. Haha.

The difference between the two AW109Es is that the Navy 109E has their EO/IR situated near the main undercarriage. The Air Force 109E has theirs situated offset by the port side (WSO/First Officer side).

Also the livery, as shown between our two photos.

2 Likes

It baffles me that Italy, a country with such a large development and production landscape of domestic helicopters, doesn’t have more helicopters in their tech tree. There are only four italian tech tree helicopters with one italian premium heli, despite Italy having such a large amount of helicopters.

+1 (also please split italian and hungarian lines!)

4 Likes

Sweden need this heli with hellfires … pls

Unfortunatly the HKP 15 doesn’t have any weapons (tought they could put some for balance even of It may not happen since It aint a prototype).

I know … but Mi28a ? Or AHS ? These helicopter were even just on test in the services of Sweden air force … I just want to say that suggestion to add hkp15 with armaments is not as unrealistic as that what we already have in the game … and at the end we have added A109 in Italian tech tree …