Agusta has delivered the latest version of the A129Mangusta attack helicopter to the Italian army. The army ordered 15 A129CBTs in 1999. The CBT configuration includes a nose-mounted 20mm cannon turret, compatibility with the air-to-air version of the Raytheon Stinger surface-to-air missile, and updated mission avionics and electronic warfare system. The dynamic system has also been upgraded with five-blade main rotor, Rolls-Royce Gem 1004 engines, and a strengthened transmission that can absorb 1,270kW (1,700shp) compared with the original 970kW. The 45 Mangustas already in Italian army service will be upgraded to CBT standard once the last new-build machine has been delivered.
Source: Flight International