Seafuture 2023: Leonardo unveils advanced developments in AWHero UAS.

According to a PR published by Leonardo on June 6, 2023, the global high-tech company, has announced significant enhancements to its AWHero Rotary Uncrewed Aerial System (RUAS) at SEAFUTURE 2023.

AWHero Rotary Uncrewed Aerial System on the Leonardo stand. (Picture source: Navy Recognition)

The AWHero, a 200 kg class uncrewed rotorcraft system, is unique in having a military certification in its class. These enhancements focus on optimizing the system for operations in the naval domain, a priority market for such systems.

The new developments include a unique twin-engine heavy fuel powerplant to increase efficiency, safety, and Time Between Overhauls (TBO). Airframe modifications will deliver operational and support advantages such as powerplant integration, increased payload bay capacity, better system/sensor integration and field of view, improved maintainability, and on-deck stability.

The system now features advanced sensor modularity and the Leonardo Gabbiano TS Ultralight maritime radar for unmatched all-weather wide area coverage. Other enhancements include improved survivability and cyber resilience.

Gian Piero Cutillo, MD of Leonardo Helicopters, highlighted the significance of these enhancements as part of Leonardo's strategic roadmap to maintain its leadership in vertical flight applications amidst rapidly evolving technologies.

Uncrewed systems and enabling technologies, such as automation/autonomy, communications, and sensor integration, are key areas in which Leonardo has invested significantly.

AWHero can support a variety of naval and multi-domain operations, including intelligence surveillance, anti-submarine warfare, electronic warfare, border protection, combat support, and force protection. It can be integrated with the naval combat management system.

Since 2019, AWHero has been used in maritime surveillance capability demonstrations as part of the OCEAN2020 initiative, a strategic research programme for naval surveillance technology and maritime safety led by Leonardo.