AH-129D - Revision history

U22067555: /* Offensive armament */ Reduced ammo

2024-11-24T14:01:44Z

‎Offensive armament: Reduced ammo

U38088265: /* History */

2024-08-04T17:58:07Z

‎History

U38088265: /* Description */

2024-08-04T17:57:42Z

‎Description

U44629479: Edits

2024-04-28T12:46:27Z

Edits

U31139476: /* Description */

2024-02-01T16:14:20Z

‎Description

U17577377 at 14:13, 7 December 2023

2023-12-07T14:13:51Z

U17577377: /* Media */

2023-12-07T14:13:32Z

‎Media

U100904013: minor change, added the video to the media section

2023-12-07T12:48:32Z

minor change, added the video to the media section

U22067555: /* Suspended armament */ Added default suspended armament

2023-11-08T16:04:34Z

‎Suspended armament: Added default suspended armament

U44629479: Edits

2023-11-06T03:54:42Z

Edits

@@ Line 50: / Line 50: @@
 * A choice between two presets:
-** 1 x 20 mm TM197B cannon, nose turret (750 rpg) + 90 x countermeasures
+** 1 x 20 mm TM197B cannon, nose turret (500 rpg) + 90 x countermeasures
 ** 1 x 20 mm TM197B cannon + 90 x countermeasures + IRCM

@@ Line 107: / Line 107: @@
 After a lot of talk and design proposals, Agusta would finally come out with the A-129 Mangusta "Delta" also known as the AH-129D. The Delta variant of the Mangusta would be first presented in 2011. It would be highly advanced as it replaced the now out of service TOW anti-tank missile with the Israeli-made Spike fire-and-forget missile. The AH-129D variant also improved the avionics and optics of the Mangusta, incorporating the Rafael TOPLITE optic which offered not only better visibility but improved also in the zoom and thermal imaging department. The first user of the AH-129D would be the 5th regiment of the AVES (Aviazione dell'Esercito), Italy would go unto quickly use it in Afghanistan. What was discovered is that during its service there, the AH-129D would rack up more flight hours than its peers as according to pilots stationed there at the time, the Mangusta was better suited for this type of counter-insurgency role. As of now the Delta variant of the Mangusta is still very much in active service, but by 2027 the Italian army hopes that Leonardo will have begun to deliver the replacement of the Delta, known as the AH/AW-249 'Fenice'.
-=== Devblog History ===
+=== [[wt:en/news/8531-development-ah-129d-mangusta-spiked-up-mongoose-en|Devblog]] ===
 Following the introduction of the A129 CBT into service, Agusta continued refining the design of their light attack helicopter and quickly developed a successor model in the early 2010s — the AH-129D. Closely resembling the preceding A129 CBT, the new 'Delta' variant featured updated avionics and a new targeting system as well as improved structural strength through the use of more advanced materials. Crucially however, the updated electronics enabled the helicopter to be armed with the much more capable Spike ATGMs, which entered service with the vehicle in 2014.

@@ Line 6: / Line 6: @@
 == Description ==
 <!-- ''In the description, the first part should be about the history of and the creation and combat usage of the helicopter, as well as its key features. In the second part, tell the reader about the helicopter in the game. Insert a screenshot of the vehicle, so that if the novice player does not remember the vehicle by name, he will immediately understand what kind of vehicle the article is talking about.'' -->
-After the upgrade of Mangustas to the CBT standard between 2001 and 2008 and operated during the second Gulf War in Iraq and Afghanistan from 2004 to 2006, the Italian Army decided to upgrade the A-129CBT with new avionics, systems and weapons one of these weapons was the F&F anti-tank missile SPIKE ER guided by the Rafael TOP LITE optic at the start of the launch and the consequent track of the SPIKE missile, with this upgraded version of the A-129, lost the ability to launch the TOW because of his new optic, the first AH-129D (D stands for Delta) were acquired in 2014 from the 5°Reggimento '''AVES''' ('''AV'''iazione dell''''ES'''ercito), in the same year a total of 32 A-129CBT were upgraded to the Delta Standard, the AH-129D was immediately deployed and remained in service Afghanistan until 2021 when the ISAF troops left the country. Nowadays, there are 32 AH-129D operative and 16 A129CBT for training.
+After the upgrade of Mangustas to the [[A129CBT|CBT]] standard between 2001 and 2008, and operated during the Second Gulf War in Iraq and Afghanistan from 2004 to 2006, the Italian Army decided to upgrade the A-129CBT with new avionics, systems, and weapons. One of these weapons was the fire-and-forget SPIKE ER ATGM, guided by the Rafael TOP LITE optic at the start of the launch and during the subsequent tracking of the SPIKE missile. With this upgraded version of the A-129, it lost the ability to launch TOW missiles due to its new optic. The first AH-129D (Delta) were acquired in 2014 for the 5°Reggimento AVES (Aviazione dell'Esercito). In the same year, a total of 32 A-129CBT were upgraded to the Delta standard. The AH-129D was immediately deployed and remained in service in Afghanistan until 2021, when ISAF troops left the country. Nowadays, there are 32 AH-129D operational and 16 A-129CBT for training.
-The '''{{Specs|name}}''' introduced with the [[Update "Kings of Battle"|"Kings of Battle" update]], is the top Helicopter of the Italian Tree, the main difference between the AH-129D from the A129CBT is basically the armament, the Delta carry SPIKE ERs but no TOWs, which are F&F Missiles and tracks every type of target, and at the same time so when you launch 8 SPIKEs you can kill 8 target simultaneously thanks to the F&F feature of the SPIKE but the main problem of the SPIKE is the Speed, the rest of the helicopter stays the same as the A129CBT.
+Introduced in [[Update "Kings of Battle"]], the main difference between the AH-129D and the A-129CBT is primarily armament. The Delta is able to equip SPIKE ERs but no TOWs, which are fire-and-forget missiles that track every type of target, simultaneously, thus giving the potential to knock out 8 targets in quick succession. However, the main problem with the SPIKE is its speed. The rest of the helicopter remains the same as the A-129CBT, with good manoeuvrability and acceleration, and a wide selection of air-to-ground and air-to-air armaments.
 == General info ==
@@ Line 105: / Line 105: @@
 Agusta would continue to develop the A129 Mangusta and would see extensive service in the Balkans as part of the Italian peace keeping contigent for the NATO lead KFOR. It would also be used in Somalia, Iraq and Afghanistan. After the first A-129A's began being used in service, Agusta developed the A-129 International which was primarily made for export. In short during that era they didn't have a lot of luck but did use what they learned from the International by making what is known as the A-129 Mangusta "Combat" or "CBT" for short. The CBT was an updated version for the Italian Army, incorporating the same advances of the International version where the avionics and armament were modernized, the motorization however was kept original with Rolls Royce Gem 2-1004D's that produced a maximum unit power of 1120 HP. Years would pass and the CBT would require one final upgrade for it to remain in service, as such Agusta would once again be in charge and would look into what the Italian army would require.
-After a lot of talk and design proposals, Agusta would finally come out with the A-129 Mangusta "Delta" also known as the AH-129D. The Delta variant of the Mangusta would be first presented in 2011. It would be highly advanced as it replaced the now out of service TOW anti-tank missile with the Israeli-made Spike fire-and-forget missile. The AH-129D variant also improved the avionics and optics of the Mangusta, incorporating the Rafael TOPLITE optic which offered not only better visibility but improved also in the zoom and thermal imaging department. The first user of the AH-129D would be the 5th regiment of the AVES (Aviazione dell’Esercito), Italy would go unto quickly use it in Afghanistan. What was discovered is that during its service there, the AH-129D would rack up more flight hours than its peers as according to pilots stationed there at the time, the Mangusta was better suited for this type of counter-insurgency role. As of now the Delta variant of the Mangusta is still very much in active service, but by 2027 the Italian army hopes that Leonardo will have begun to deliver the replacement of the Delta, known as the AH/AW-249 'Fenice'.
+After a lot of talk and design proposals, Agusta would finally come out with the A-129 Mangusta "Delta" also known as the AH-129D. The Delta variant of the Mangusta would be first presented in 2011. It would be highly advanced as it replaced the now out of service TOW anti-tank missile with the Israeli-made Spike fire-and-forget missile. The AH-129D variant also improved the avionics and optics of the Mangusta, incorporating the Rafael TOPLITE optic which offered not only better visibility but improved also in the zoom and thermal imaging department. The first user of the AH-129D would be the 5th regiment of the AVES (Aviazione dell'Esercito), Italy would go unto quickly use it in Afghanistan. What was discovered is that during its service there, the AH-129D would rack up more flight hours than its peers as according to pilots stationed there at the time, the Mangusta was better suited for this type of counter-insurgency role. As of now the Delta variant of the Mangusta is still very much in active service, but by 2027 the Italian army hopes that Leonardo will have begun to deliver the replacement of the Delta, known as the AH/AW-249 'Fenice'.
 === Devblog History ===
-Following the introduction of the A129 CBT into service, Agusta continued refining the design of their light attack helicopter and quickly developed a successor model in the early 2010s — the AH-129D. Closely resembling the preceding A129 CBT, the new ‘Delta’ variant featured updated avionics and a new targeting system as well as improved structural strength through the use of more advanced materials. Crucially however, the updated electronics enabled the helicopter to be armed with the much more capable Spike ATGMs, which entered service with the vehicle in 2014.
+Following the introduction of the A129 CBT into service, Agusta continued refining the design of their light attack helicopter and quickly developed a successor model in the early 2010s — the AH-129D. Closely resembling the preceding A129 CBT, the new 'Delta' variant featured updated avionics and a new targeting system as well as improved structural strength through the use of more advanced materials. Crucially however, the updated electronics enabled the helicopter to be armed with the much more capable Spike ATGMs, which entered service with the vehicle in 2014.
-Presently, the A129s in service with the Italian military are undergoing modernization programs to be upgraded to the latest ‘Delta’ variant of which several dozen vehicles have already completed this modification.
+Presently, the A129s in service with the Italian military are undergoing modernization programs to be upgraded to the latest 'Delta' variant of which several dozen vehicles have already completed this modification.
 == Media ==

@@ Line 8: / Line 8: @@
 After the upgrade of Mangustas to the CBT standard between 2001 and 2008 and operated during the second Gulf War in Iraq and Afghanistan from 2004 to 2006, the Italian Army decided to upgrade the A-129CBT with new avionics, systems and weapons one of these weapons was the F&F anti-tank missile SPIKE ER guided by the Rafael TOP LITE optic at the start of the launch and the consequent track of the SPIKE missile, with this upgraded version of the A-129, lost the ability to launch the TOW because of his new optic, the first AH-129D (D stands for Delta) were acquired in 2014 from the 5°Reggimento '''AVES''' ('''AV'''iazione dell''''ES'''ercito), in the same year a total of 32 A-129CBT were upgraded to the Delta Standard, the AH-129D was immediately deployed and remained in service Afghanistan until 2021 when the ISAF troops left the country. Nowadays, there are 32 AH-129D operative and 16 A129CBT for training.
-The  '''{{Specs|name}}''' introduced with the [[Update "Kings of Battle"|"Kings of Battle" update]], is the top Helicopter of the Italian Tree, the main difference between the AH-129D from the A129CBT is basically the armament, the Delta carry SPIKE ERs but no TOWs, which are F&F Missiles and tracks every type of target, and at the same time so when you launch 8 SPIKEs you can kill 8 target simultaneosy thanks to the F&F feature of the SPIKE but the main problem of the SPIKE is the Speed, the rest of the helicopter stays the same as the A129CBT.
+The '''{{Specs|name}}''' introduced with the [[Update "Kings of Battle"|"Kings of Battle" update]], is the top Helicopter of the Italian Tree, the main difference between the AH-129D from the A129CBT is basically the armament, the Delta carry SPIKE ERs but no TOWs, which are F&F Missiles and tracks every type of target, and at the same time so when you launch 8 SPIKEs you can kill 8 target simultaneously thanks to the F&F feature of the SPIKE but the main problem of the SPIKE is the Speed, the rest of the helicopter stays the same as the A129CBT.
 == General info ==
@@ Line 93: / Line 93: @@
 * Access to IRST auto tracker which is very effective against planes
 * Has IRCM which prevents the stable lock of IR missiles without ECCM
 '''Cons:'''
 * Fragile, cannot tank as many hits as its counterparts
-* Spike fire and forget missiles are extremely slow
+* Spike fire-and-forget missiles are extremely slow
 == History ==
@@ Line 107: / Line 103: @@
 The story of the A129 Mangusta "Delta", (also known as A129 ESS, AH-129D and A129 Mangusta) began during the late stages of the Cold War. The helicopter began to be developed at the request of the Italian Army, whom saw the need to equip its air units with a dedicated attack helicopter with anti-tank capabilities. The A129 was the first dedicated attack helicopter fully designed and built in Western Europe. Its project began in 1978 and its final project was ready only in 1982. The A129 made its first official maiden flight on the 15th of September of 1983, at the Agusta company Cascina-Costa facilities. The flight lasted about 30 minutes. Agusta pilots were extremely happy with the results, and went on record and said that the helicopter had great handling. They had previously only performed shake down flights twice prior to the first official flight. It was given the name Mangusta by the Italian army and Agusta employees. This name was mainly chosen due to the fact that the A129 was a direct competitor of the Bell A-1 Cobra that at that time rivaled the Agusta project. (The mongoose is known for its ease in killing poisonous snakes).
-Agusta would continue to develop the A129 Mangusta and would see exensive service in the Balkans as part of the Italian peace keeping contigent for the NATO lead KFOR. It would also be used in Somalia, Iraq and Afghanistan. After the first A-129A's began being used in service, Agusta developed the A-129 International which was primarily made for export. In short during that era they didn't have a lot of luck but did use what they learned from the International by making what is known as the A-129 Mangusta "Combat" or "CBT" for short. The CBT was an updated version for the Italian Army, incorporating the same advances of the International version where the avionics and armament were modernized, the motorization however was kept original with Rolls Royce Gem 2-1004D's that produced a maximum unit power of 1120 HP.  Years would pass and the CBT would require one final upgrade for it to remain in service, as such Agusta would once again be in charge and would look into what the Italian army would require.
+Agusta would continue to develop the A129 Mangusta and would see extensive service in the Balkans as part of the Italian peace keeping contigent for the NATO lead KFOR. It would also be used in Somalia, Iraq and Afghanistan. After the first A-129A's began being used in service, Agusta developed the A-129 International which was primarily made for export. In short during that era they didn't have a lot of luck but did use what they learned from the International by making what is known as the A-129 Mangusta "Combat" or "CBT" for short. The CBT was an updated version for the Italian Army, incorporating the same advances of the International version where the avionics and armament were modernized, the motorization however was kept original with Rolls Royce Gem 2-1004D's that produced a maximum unit power of 1120 HP. Years would pass and the CBT would require one final upgrade for it to remain in service, as such Agusta would once again be in charge and would look into what the Italian army would require.
-After a lot of talk and design proposals, Agusta would finally come out with the A-129 Mangusta "Delta" also known as the AH-129D. The Delta variant of the Mangusta would be first presented in 2011. It would be highly advanced as it replaced the now out of service TOW anti-tank missile with the Israeli-made Spike fire-and-forget missile. The AH-129D variant also improved the avionics and optics of the Mangusta, incorporating the Rafael TOPLITE optic which offered not only better visability but improved also in the zoom and thermal imaging department. The first user of the AH-129D would be the 5th regiment of the AVES (Aviazione dell’Esercito), Italy would go unto quickly use it in Afghanistan. What was discovered is that during its service there, the AH-129D would rack up more flight hours than its peers as according to pilots stationed there at the time, the Mangusta was better suited for this type of counter-insurgancy role. As of now the Delta variant of the Mangusta is still very much in active service, but by 2027 the Italian army hopes that Leonardo will have begun to deliver the replacement of the Delta, known as the AH/AW-249 'Fenice'.
+After a lot of talk and design proposals, Agusta would finally come out with the A-129 Mangusta "Delta" also known as the AH-129D. The Delta variant of the Mangusta would be first presented in 2011. It would be highly advanced as it replaced the now out of service TOW anti-tank missile with the Israeli-made Spike fire-and-forget missile. The AH-129D variant also improved the avionics and optics of the Mangusta, incorporating the Rafael TOPLITE optic which offered not only better visibility but improved also in the zoom and thermal imaging department. The first user of the AH-129D would be the 5th regiment of the AVES (Aviazione dell’Esercito), Italy would go unto quickly use it in Afghanistan. What was discovered is that during its service there, the AH-129D would rack up more flight hours than its peers as according to pilots stationed there at the time, the Mangusta was better suited for this type of counter-insurgency role. As of now the Delta variant of the Mangusta is still very much in active service, but by 2027 the Italian army hopes that Leonardo will have begun to deliver the replacement of the Delta, known as the AH/AW-249 'Fenice'.
 === Devblog History ===
@@ Line 119: / Line 115: @@
 <!-- ''Excellent additions to the article would be video guides, screenshots from the game, and photos.'' -->
-* [https://live.warthunder.com/feed/camouflages/?vehicle=a_129_cbt Skins and camouflages for the AH-129D from live.warthunder.com.]
+;Skins
 ;Videos

@@ Line 6: / Line 6: @@
 == Description ==
 <!-- ''In the description, the first part should be about the history of and the creation and combat usage of the helicopter, as well as its key features. In the second part, tell the reader about the helicopter in the game. Insert a screenshot of the vehicle, so that if the novice player does not remember the vehicle by name, he will immediately understand what kind of vehicle the article is talking about.'' -->
-The '''{{Specs|name}}''' is a rank {{Specs|rank}} Italian attack helicopter {{Battle-rating}}. It was introduced in [[Update "Kings of Battle"]].
+After the upgrade of Mangustas to the CBT standard between 2001 and 2008 and operated during the second Gulf War in Iraq and Afghanistan from 2004 to 2006, the Italian Army decided to upgrade the A-129CBT with new avionics, systems and weapons one of these weapons was the F&F anti-tank missile SPIKE ER guided by the Rafael TOP LITE optic at the start of the launch and the consequent track of the SPIKE missile, with this upgraded version of the A-129, lost the ability to launch the TOW because of his new optic, the first AH-129D (D stands for Delta) were acquired in 2014 from the 5°Reggimento '''AVES''' ('''AV'''iazione dell''''ES'''ercito), in the same year a total of 32 A-129CBT were upgraded to the Delta Standard, the AH-129D was immediately deployed and remained in service Afghanistan until 2021 when the ISAF troops left the country. Nowadays, there are 32 AH-129D operative and 16 A129CBT for training.
 == General info ==
@@ Line 116: / Line 118: @@
 == Media ==
 <!-- ''Excellent additions to the article would be video guides, screenshots from the game, and photos.'' -->
 * [https://live.warthunder.com/feed/camouflages/?vehicle=a_129_cbt Skins and camouflages for the AH-129D from live.warthunder.com.]

@@ Line 123: / Line 123: @@
 ;Videos
-{{Youtube-gallery|aYYZFFfc_ic|'''Ultimate A-129 Mangusta Guide''' -By Bob Dickinson.}}
+{{Youtube-gallery|aYYZFFfc_ic|'''Ultimate A-129 Mangusta Guide''' - ''Bob Dickinson''}}
 == See also ==

@@ Line 54: / Line 54: @@
 {{Specs-Heli-Suspended}}
 <!-- ''Describe the helicopter's suspended armament: additional cannons under the winglets, any bombs, and rockets. Since any helicopter is essentially only a platform for suspended weaponry, this section is significant and deserves your special attention. If there is no suspended weaponry remove this subsection.'' -->
-''Describe the helicopter's suspended armament: additional cannons under the winglets, any bombs, and rockets. Since any helicopter is essentially only a platform for suspended weaponry, this section is significant and deserves your special attention. If there is no suspended weaponry remove this subsection.''
+The '''''{{PAGENAME}}''''' can be outfitted with the following ordnance:
 == Usage in battles ==