Wildcat helicopter programme (AgustaWestland AW159 Wildcat)
Yeovil, UK (development and manufacturing) · 2006 (contract awarded) - 2014 (entered service) · £1.669 billion (programme cost for 62 helicopters, 2010 estimate); £271 million (support and training contract, 2017)
The judgement call
Account-gated at launchThe programme evolved from the Future Lynx project, demonstrating continuous development in military helicopter technology. - Significant investment in through-life support and training contracts (e.g., £271M WIST contract) to ensure fleet readiness and sustain UK jobs. - The Wildcat has achieved export success, with additional sales to other countries (e.g., Philippines), showcasing its international appeal and capabilities.
Key engineering challenges
Developing an improved version of the Westland Super Lynx with numerous airframe improvements, including redesigned tail rotor and nose, and greater structural strength. - Integrating advanced avionics and mission systems for multi-role capabilities (e.g., battlefield utility, search and rescue, anti-surface warfare, anti-submarine warfare). - Ensuring safe deck operations in high sea states (up to Sea State 6) with features like the Deck Lock ('Harpoon') system and negative thrust capability.
Project facts
- Client / owner
- Royal Navy / British Army (UK Ministry of Defence)
- Lead contractor
- AgustaWestland (now Leonardo Helicopters)
- Lead designers
- AgustaWestland (now Leonardo Helicopters)
- Project type
- new build
- Scale
- 62 helicopters for UK (34 for Army, 28 for Navy); 2 engines (LHTEC CTS800-4N); Max speed: 160 knots (296 km/h); Range: 777 km
- Disciplines
- Aeronautical engineering; systems integration; avionics; naval architecture (for naval variant)
- Standards & frameworks
- Military aviation standards (e.g., DEF STAN).
Sources: Wikipedia: AgustaWestland AW159 Wildcat (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/AgustaWestland_AW159_Wildcat) - Leonardo: AW159 - Military Helicopters (https://helicopters.leonardo.com/en/products/aw159) - Defence Equipment & Support: Wildcat Mk1 and Wildcat Mk2 helicopter (https://des.mod.uk/what-we-do/army-procurement-support/wildcat-mk1-mk2/) - GOV.UK: £271M Wildcat Helicopter support deal sustains 500 UK jobs (https://www.gov.uk/government/news/271m-wildcat-helicopter-support-deal-sustains-500-uk-jobs)