Leonardo Unveils Awhero: An Unmanned Aerial Vehicle for Marine Operations.
The system enhancements unveiled at SEAFUTURE 2023 today reflect the move from basic design to CONOPS (Concept of Operations) focus, crucial for ensuring operational efficiency, particularly for operations in the naval domain. New developments include heavy fuel powerplants, airframe modification, advanced sensor modules, and software enhancements; furthermore, onboard communications encompass radar systems and transmissions, core avionics systems, data-link architecture, and control station. These advancements are part of a forward-looking roadmap that Leonardo is implementing to maintain its leadership in vertical flight and UAS applications in the realm of current and future technological evolution. Leonardo unveiled today the latest developments for its 200-kg class Airborne Warfare Helicopter RUAS (Rotary Unmanned Aerial System) during the official ceremony held at SEAFUTURE 2023 (La Spezia, Italy) on board the Italian Navy’s Paolo Thaon di Revel PPA (Pattugliatore Polivalente d’Altura – Offshore Multipurpose Patrol Vessel). The unveiling was carried out in the presence of representatives from institutions and industry stakeholders.
Dr. Gian Piero Cutillo, MD of Leonardo Helicopters, said, “AWHero is part of a forward-looking roadmap that Leonardo is implementing to maintain its leadership in vertical flight applications in the realm of current and future technological evolutions. Within this roadmap, unmanned systems and relevant technologies, such as automation/autonomy, communications, sensors integration, and fusion, are key elements in which the company has been significantly investing, while leveraging a fruitful collaboration with the Italian Military Authorities. The system enhancements unveiled today reflect the incremental yet firm move from basic design to CONOPS (Concept of Operations) focused configuration. This is particularly true for the relevant naval applications, which remain a priority market for these kinds of systems, which are able to meet intelligence and situational awareness extension capabilities with an optimized use of resources.”
Leonardo unveils AWHero RUAS’ new developments showcasing unique technologies and capabilities for multi-purpose maritime operations. (Photo by Leonardo)
AWHero leverages on Leonardo’s unique combination of longstanding and extensive capabilities in rotorcraft systems development and integration in support of the Uncrewed Aerial System (UAS) era and Naval application sectors. The first and only RUAS in its class with a military certification, obtained in Italy in late 2021, and based on worldwide recognized standards, which already demonstrate the robustness of the system, AWHero’s new features stem from previously planned and anticipated activities based on a range of enhancements.
The new developments include in particular: a heavy fuel-powered engine based on a unique twin-engine solution increasing efficiency, safety, and time Between Overhauls; airframe modifications delivering significant operational and support advantages (payload integration, payload bay capacity, system/sensor integration, and field of view, maintainability, on-deck suitability); advanced sensor modules for multi-role adaptability; – the Leonardo Gabbianno TS Ultimate maritime radar for unmatched all-weather coverage -; enhanced survivability, and cyber resilience. However, the system builds upon the certified and proven basic configuration with which it shares the rotor system, transmissions, a generic avionic system, datalink architecture, and a control station.
AWHERO is optimized to support a range of assets involved in a range of naval and multi-domain operations such as ISTAR (Intelligence Surveillance Target Acquisition and Reconnaissance), ASW (Anti-Submarine Warfare), Electronic Warfare, Communication Relay, Border Protection, Combat Support, and can be integrated with the naval combat management system. Furthermore, AWHERO’s integrated capabilities in rotary-wing platforms, system integration, UAS systems, and support/training services, as well as proprietary technology deliver AWHero’s operational advantages with unmatched system growth and customization potential and through-life cycle support benefits. Since 2019, AWHero has conducted maritime surveillance capabilities demonstrations on ships within the framework of the OCEAN2020 initiative, the European Defence Fund strategic research programme for naval surveillance technology and maritime safety, including 43 organizations across Europe. It has benefited from a range of capabilities demonstration initiatives in the RUAS domain in Italy, the UK, and Europe.
Leonardo is the only company in Europe, which is able to provide complete solutions by designing and developing all the elements of unmanned systems: platforms, sensors, mission systems, control stations, and offer customers a certified low-risk, highly effective, fully integrated capability. Leonardo is a key partner and contributor to significant European unmanned system programs and Leonardo’s expertise and capabilities in the sector have been extensively demonstrated during international exercises. Leonardo has developed proprietary unmanned systems and technologies, including anti-drone capabilities and unmanned traffic management (UTM) systems. The continuous development and integration of cutting-edge solutions across all domains of remotely-piloted and autonomous/semi-autonomous systems and technologies is a key element of Leonardo’s ‘Be Tomorrow 2030’ Strategic Plan.
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