15.10.2024
Drones are increasingly being considered for use alongside warships to increase their operational capabilities.
Italian defence company Leonardo has created a small and lightweight rotary wing drone, the AWHero, which can be deployed in this role.
The drone, which looks like a small helicopter, is capable of maritime surveillance and, with take-off and landing being fully automated, the drone can be integrated on board a number of naval vessels.
It is capable of gathering a wide area picture and can be used in any weather conditions.
Leonardo official Roberto Pretolani spoke to Forces News at the Farnborough International Airshow.
"The AWHero can be considered as a… remote sensor on the ship, providing information to the command room in order to contribute to the formation of a recognised maritime picture," he said.
The AWHero has two modular and high-capacity payload bays - in the nose and underbelly - that are capable of carrying multiple and interchangeable sensors.
These include Electro-Optical/Infrared, Automatic Identification System, Electronic Support Measures, Sonobuoy Data Relay, Light Imaging Detection and Ranging, and the Leonardo Gabbiano TS Ultra-Light Maritime Radar.
Quelle: bfbs Forces News