PRODUCT:

AW129 HELICOPTER POD

CLIENT

Leonardo

Loson was contracted to design and manufacture a subalar pod for the AW129 helicopter. The pod is to contain defense equipment for the crew should they be forced to land during a mission.

Making a very light pod, which can be integrated with subalar pylons, that is resistant to aerodynamic stress.

Loson solved the design challenges by applying its knowledge of superlight, high-pressure microsandwich structures. By alternating laminate and sandwich sections, it was able to produce the lightest pod in its class without sacrificing strength and resistance to aerodynamic and internally applied loads. The pod’s light weight also allows easy handling and removal by personnel without the need of external aids.

The entire component has been engineered to ensure a fast and cost-optimized manufacturing process.