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.