Agusta A129 Mangusta Mystery Cache

The Agusta A129 Mangusta (English: Mongoose) is an attack helicopter originally designed and produced by Agusta. It has the distinction of being the first attack helicopter to be designed and produced wholly in Europe. It has continued to be developed by AgustaWestland, the successor company to Agusta. The A129 has undergone several combat deployments since entering service with the Italian Army in the 1990s.

General characteristics:

• Crew: 2: pilot and weapon systems officer
• Length: 12.28 m (40 ft 3 in)
• Rotor diameter: 11.90 m (39 ft 1 in)
• Height: 3.35 m (11 ft 0 in)
• Disc area: 111.22 m2 (1,197.25 ft2)
• Empty weight: 2,530 kg (5,575 lb)
• Max. takeoff weight: 4,600 kg (10,140 lb)
• Powerplant: 2 × Rolls-Royce Gem 2-1004D (license built by Piaggio) turboshafts, 664 kW (890 shp) each
• Rotor systems: 5 blades on main rotor

Performance:

• Maximum speed: 278 km/h (148 knots, 170 mph)
• Cruise speed: 229 km/h (135 knots, 155 mph)
• Range: 510 km (275 nm, 320 mi)
• Ferry range: 1,000 km (540 nm, 620 mi)
• Service ceiling: 4,725 m (15,500 ft)
• Rate of climb: 10.2 m/s (2,025 ft/min)