Comprehensive Range of Naval Solutions

Continuous investment, comprehensive, consolidated experience and transversal skills in the naval sector enable Leonardo to meet all types of requirement responding to operational evolution of the multi-domain maritime environment: a claim it will support with a wide display of portfolio solutions at Euronaval 2022 in Paris this week.

Leonardo’s range of solutions, to date installed on over 1,000 maritime platforms, provides for the efficient management of any size or type of ship, and consists of advanced, modular technologies ranging from sensors, radar and communications to weapons systems for surface and underwater units. These are in addition to fixed-wing and rotary-wing aircraft – with more than 500 Leonardo helicopters in use today in over thirty countries for maritime applications – and remotely-piloted platforms. Due to the development of new digital technologies such as AI, automation and data processing, all these systems can respond effectively to the evolution of operations in an increasingly multi-domain maritime context.

Of special note, the company is presenting some of its cutting-edge combat management systems (CMS) technologies which equip the ‘Full’ configuration of the Italian Navy’s Multipurpose Offshore Patrol Vessels (MOPV), among others. These include the open-architecture, modular and reconfigurable CMS, which integrates and coordinates all information from the various sensors in real time – providing full situational awareness and an immediate reaction capability. The innovative Naval Cockpit is also on show, applying cutting-edge concepts in avionics to the naval domain. These concepts were developed by Leonardo in synergy with the Italian Navy, to reduce crew workload in operating and monitoring a ship, maximising operational benefits.

Boasting one of the world’s most comprehensive radar portfolios that meets the most stringent requirements regarding navigation, surveillance, detection and air, surface and missile defence, Leonardo is presenting the Kronos family of radars at Euronaval. This includes the naval version of the Kronos Power Shield fully digital AESA warning sensor, designed to defend surface units from ballistic missiles. The L-band sensor, with advanced ATBM capabilities, has a discovery range of up to 1,500 kilometres. The high-performance Osprey 30 electronic scanning radar for maritime surveillance, already selected by several international customers, will also be on show. This radar is especially suitable for operating in mixed environments such as coastlines.

Alongside these solutions is the ULISSES (Ultra Light SonicS Enhanced System) acoustic sensor, developed by Leonardo to maximise effectiveness in ASW operations on fixed- and rotary-wing maritime patrol aircraft through minimised weight and size, and the Black Scorpion lightweight torpedo, designed to operate with maximum effectiveness and at minimum cost. During the exhibition Leonardo is also presenting the features of the new next-generation EO system DSS-IRST (Distributed Static Staring-InfraRed Search and Tracking System), developed to offer larger naval units maximum protection against multiple surface, missile and aerial threats.

In the field of remotely piloted systems, Leonardo is exhibiting in Paris a full-scale mock-up of the AWHERO helicopter, equipped with the Gabbiano ultra-light maritime radar. AWHERO represents the state-of-the-art in 200kg-class rotary UAS systems, developed expressly for on-board operations, synergistically exploiting Leonardo’s experience and best technologies. AWHERO’s modular architecture makes it interchangeable with a wide range of sensors, including the Gabbiano radar, a crucial element in ensuring maritime surveillance superiority.  Already successfully deployed during the Leonardo-led OCEAN 2020 demonstration initiative, AWHERO is the only UAS in its class with military certification, guaranteeing the highest levels of reliability and mission readiness.

In the munitions sector, Leonardo will showcase its Lionfish line of small-calibre systems, wholly designed and developed in-house. It is also presenting its DART [Driven Ammunition Reduced Time of Flight] guided munitions, effective against manoeuvrable missiles and small targets, as well as the Vulcano family of munitions in the 76 and 127 versions: a product range – already selected by several navies – that ensures total surface dominance and effective air defence.