Tactical UAS Flight Programme Validates Maritime ISR Suite Integration

The AWHero UAS has completed a series of flights which have proved the successful integration of its radar-based Enhanced Maritime Surveillance Sensor Suite, says manufacturer Leonardo. The aircraft has been operating in a series of maritime surveillance capability demonstrations as part of the European Defence Fund’s OCEAN2020 research programme.

The test programme saw the 200kg-class rotary UAS fly with the suite, which includes Leonardo’s Gabbiano TS20 Ultra-Light maritime radar, an eight-inch EO/IR sensor, and an AIS transceiver. Radar modes include Track While Scan, Maritime Moving Targe Indicator and Inverse Synthetic Aperture Radar. Together, these capabilities allow the system to detect, track and identify targets of interest in the maritime domain, in all weathers and in both day and night.