P.1HH Hammerhead prototype completes maiden flight

The Piaggio Aerospace P.1HH Hammerhead Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) has completed its maiden flight, as announced by key programme partner Selex on 24 February.

The flight of the prototype P.1HH Hammerhead was carried out at the Italian Air Force base in Trapani Birgi. The prototype UAV flew with Selex's new vehicle control and management system for the first time, with a Selex ground control station remotely operating the aircraft via data link and communication systems.

With this first flight complete, preparation for the first series production UAS will begin as the programme moves into its next phase.

The mission management system of the P.1HH Hammerhead is based on the Selex SkyISTAR agnostic mission system for surveillance and patrolling missions. The system is capable of responding to a diverse range of threats. It has inbuilt sensor fusion, data management and exploitation features for border control, wide area surveillance, targeted surveillance, environmental and disaster control missions.

Selex has also contributed to the P.1HH Hammerhead programme with its experience in developing and manufacturing UAV surveillance systems and sensors. It has provided the sensor suite for the aircraft, along with communications and customised data link solutions.