Leonardo and Helitune have been working together for more than two decades across the OEM's platforms. Helitune has a proven track record within the arena of vibration health monitoring solutions and specialises in the design and manufacture of electronic systems for rotor track and balance (RTB).

The optical rotor tracking device “RT-TipTrak” of Helitune spans the Leonardo helicopters portfolio from the AW149, AW189, AW139 to the AW169. The RT-TipTrak cutting-edge technology monitors the individual blade heights and spacing to millimetre precision during flight, enabling the reduction of vibration, minimising stress and strain on the airframe. 

Michael Morrisroe, Head of UK Campaigns at Leonardo Helicopters, commented: “We are delighted to welcome Helitune to Team AW149 UK. The company is important to the South West region and only adds further credibility to our military AW149 for the UK’s New Medium Helicopter requirement.”

Raf Lobato, CEO of CMTG, said: “Helitune has been working in collaboration with Leonardo Helicopters for over 25 years and, as a UK company, we are delighted to be able to continue to support them as they look to develop their onshore supply chain for the AW149 helicopter.”

Peter Morrish, CMTG’s Technology and Customer Support Manager, added: “Helitune is proud to support Team AW149 UK. We have worked in close collaboration with Leonardo in Yeovil and Cascina Costa to develop our imaging and vibration sensor technologies, that now form an integral part of the Leonardo helicopter Health and Usage Monitoring Systems – which enhance aircraft availability and reduce through-life support costs.”

Each Team AW149 UK member provides a vital component to the existing AW149 platform, from lights to avionics systems and other hardware and software components.