Leonardo AWHero achieves first military certification
Leonard AWHero has obtained an important military certification. (photo: Leonardo)
Leonardo claims to have obtained the world’s first military certification for a rotary-wing tactical UAS in the 200kg weight class.
The AWHero UAV has received basic military certification from the Italian MoD's Directorate for Air Armaments and Airworthiness, Leonardo announced on 22 October.
The company claimed this marks the first-ever approval for a 200kg rotary-wing UAS.
AWHero has been in development since 2012, with the first prototype unveiled in 2018 and a more aerodynamic variant unveiled in 2019.
The UAV was developed to provide a low-cost and low maintenance solutions for security, utility, tactical battlefield surveillance and maritime missions.
AWHero is powered by a heavy fuel engine which allows a top speed of 90kt and mission endurance of 6h with a 35kg payload. Its multiple payload capacity allows the UAV to carry EO/IR sensor gimbal in the nose or in the fuselage.
Leonardo noted in a statement that the newly acquired certification is based on elements of the NATO STANAG 4702 standardisation agreement, which sets specific interoperability requirements for rotary-wing UAS.
The military certification represents an important milestone for the development of AWHero, which is currently being considered in a few international tenders.
Shephard reported in March 2021 that Northrop Grumman Australia teamed up with Leonardo to offer AWHero in the Project Sea 129 Phase 5 Block 1 tender, which aims to deliver a next-generation UAS for the Royal Australian Navy.
The two companies have been down selected to move to the next phase.
Related Equipment in Defence Insight
More from Air Warfare
-
![US plans to raise defence production by 300% but multiple uncertainties remain]()
US plans to raise defence production by 300% but multiple uncertainties remain
The strategy, schedule and budget to support Washington’s intention to speed up the manufacturing of defence capabilities remain unclear.
-
![Switzerland faces procurement shake-up with reduced F-35 buy and five-year Patriot delays]()
Switzerland faces procurement shake-up with reduced F-35 buy and five-year Patriot delays
The reduction in the number of planned F-35A aircraft from 36 to 30 by the Swiss government comes due to budget constraints, with no firm plans to fill the gap despite “negative consequences”.
-
![What will the replacement of A-10s by F-35s mean for the US Air Force?]()
What will the replacement of A-10s by F-35s mean for the US Air Force?
The USAF plans to phase out its 162 in-operation A-10 Thunderbolt II Warthogs by the end of FY2026, replacing them with F-35As which will bring a leap in capabilities in terms of lethality, survivability and speed.
