In 1987 the Italian Army ordered 24 A-109CM with the requirement to have a fixed undercarriage. The deliveries started in march 1988 and this helicopter could be the first one produced, displayed before installing the side fairings over the blocked fixed main underriage arms. 16 helicopters were identified by the Italian Army as EOA-1 for simple observation and utility duties, and 8 as EOA-2, because they were equipped with avionics to also operate in conjunction with A-129 Mangusta attack helicopters. Possibly but not confirmed MM81233, c/n 7367 to become EI-856.