Leonardo’s SW-4 Solo remotely piloted aircraft has begun its test campaign at the Taranto-Grottaglie Airport, the company announced on 16 December.
The campaign will verify the aircraft’s operational characteristics and validate flight procedures in both normal and emergency conditions.
The flight campaign, carried out in collaboration with the DTA and the Italian Civil Aviation Authority, will continue during the first few months of 2017, in order to validate procedures and regulations for the use of unmanned aircraft.
Solo, derived from the SW-4 helicopter, is designed for both piloted (optionally piloted helicopter) and unmanned operations for maximum operational flexibility.
The aircraft is being developed for missions including hydrological and critical infrastructure monitoring, firefighting, search and rescue, patrol and disaster relief activities.
As the dynamics of aerial combat rapidly evolve, Chinese scientists have engineered a sophisticated air separation drone model that can fragment into up to six drones, each capable of executing distinct battlefield roles and challenging the efficacy of current anti-drone defences such as the UK’s Dragonfire laser system.
Advancements in air defence technologies have begun to reshape aerial combat dynamics in the Middle East, as illustrated by recent events involving the Israeli Air Force and Hezbollah.
Both sides of the Russia-Ukraine war have been using UAS for effective low-cost attacks, as well as impactful web and social media footage. Thousands more have now been committed to Ukrainian forces.
The US Army has intentions to develop light, medium and heavy variants of the Robotic Combat Vehicle (RCV) as part of the branche’s Next Generation Combat Vehicle family.
DroneSentry-X, a cross-vehicle compatible, automated 360° C-UAS detect and defeat device, can offer 360° awareness and protection using integrated sensors. According to its manufacturer, it is suitable for mobile operations, on-site surveillance and on-the-move missions.
Funded by the country’s former president, the new C-UAS systems will be sent to the frontline where they have already been tested against Russian invading forces.
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