Leonardo-Finmeccanica has started flight testing of its SW-4 Solo remotely piloted helicopter to verify the aircraft’s operational characteristics and validate flight procedures, in both normal and emergency conditions.
The testing is being carried out at the Taranto-Grottaglie Airport, in collaboration with Distretto Tecnologico Aerospaziale Pugliese (DTA) and the Italian Civil Aviation Authority.
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This flight campaign will continue until early next year, Leonardo said in a statement.
Leonardo-Finmeccanica CEO and general manager Mauro Moretti said: “The SW-4 Solo is testimony of Leonardo’s industrial commitment and innovation in unmanned aircraft, a sector of increased global competition and is part of a portfolio of solutions making Leonardo the only European company able to provide a complete ‘unmanned’ system.
“When presented with an advancement of technology, the winning regions are those who can adapt to market needs.”
The Solo is based on the SW-4 helicopter produced by Leonardo and is equipped with advanced systems and sensors.
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By GlobalDataThe rotary unmanned air system can be operated with or without pilot on board.
It has been designed to perform a wide range of activities such as hydrological and critical infrastructure monitoring, firefighting, search-and-rescue, patrol, and disaster relief activities.
Leonardo demonstrated the capabilities of SW-4 Solo at the UK Royal Navy’s Unmanned Warrior exercise that was held in Scotland during October.
