The newly introduced features on Leonardo AWHero RUAS include a twin-engine heavy fuel powerplant, which improves efficiency, safety, and time between overhauls.
Leonardo, a leading aerospace and defense company, unveiled the latest advancements in its AWHero RUAS (Rotary Uncrewed Aerial System) during a ceremony at SEAFUTURE 2023 held on the Italian Navy’s Paolo Thaon di Revel PPA. The newly introduced features include a twin-engine heavy fuel powerplant, which improves efficiency, safety, and time between overhauls. The airframe modifications offer substantial operational and support advantages such as powerplant integration, increased payload bay capacity, an improved system and sensor integration, wider field of view, enhanced maintainability, and on-deck stability.
The AWHero system capitalizes on Leonardo’s extensive experience in rotorcraft system development and integration, particularly in the field of uncrewed aerial systems (UAS) and naval applications. Notably, AWHero is the only RUAS in its class to have obtained military certification, demonstrating its adherence to globally recognized standards. The system has now undergone further developments to enhance its performance and capabilities, building upon the robust foundation established by its certification.
The system also boasts advanced sensor modularity, including the Leonardo Gabbiano TS Ultralight maritime radar, which provides unparalleled all-weather wide area coverage. Additionally, AWHero has undergone enhancements in terms of survivability and cyber resilience. These developments complement the certified and proven basic configuration of the system, which includes the rotor system, transmissions, core avionics, data-link architecture, and control station.
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 frame of current and future technological evolutions, which will extensively re-shape this industry. Within this roadmap, uncrewed systems and relevant enabling technologies (i.e. 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 kind of systems, which are able to meet intelligence and situational awareness extension capabilities with an optimized use of resources.”
AWHero is designed to support various assets involved in naval and multi-domain operations, including Intelligence Surveillance Target Acquisition and Reconnaissance (ISTAR), Anti-Submarine Warfare (ASW), Electronic Warfare, Communication Relay, Border Protection, Combat Support, and Force Protection. The system can be seamlessly integrated with naval combat management systems. Leonardo’s integrated capabilities in rotary-wing platforms, system integration, UAS systems, support, and training services, along with proprietary technology, provide AWHero operators with unmatched potential for system growth, customization, and through-life cycle support benefits.
Since 2019, AWHero has been involved in maritime surveillance capability demonstrations as part of the OCEAN2020 initiative, a strategic research program supported by the European Defense Fund. The program focuses on naval surveillance technology and maritime safety, involving 43 organizations across Europe and led by Leonardo. The system has also participated in various capability demonstration initiatives in the RUAS domain in Italy, the UK, and Europe.
Read More Stories…Air Tanzania Receives First Boeing 767-300 Freighter, Expanding Cargo Capacity and Enhancing country’s growing cargo market
As the only European company capable of delivering complete solutions for uncrewed systems, Leonardo’s expertise spans platform design, sensor development, mission systems, control stations, and certified low-risk, highly effective, fully integrated capabilities. The company plays a significant role in European uncrewed system programs and has demonstrated its capabilities in international exercises. Leonardo’s commitment to advancing remotely-piloted and autonomous/semi-autonomous systems aligns with its strategic plan, “Be Tomorrow 2030,” which focuses on the continuous development and integration of cutting-edge solutions across all domains.
