Highlights include latest variants of AW101 helicopter, M-346 Fighter Attack and P-72A MPA

At the Farnborough International Airshow 2018 Leonardo is planting the seeds for sustainable growth in its home markets, where defence budgets are increasing, and in its international markets, where there are a wealth of addressable export and partnership opportunities, the company states.

Exhibits at Leonardo’s stand highlight how the company is currently meeting requirements in these markets by delivering innovative, high technology solutions to its customers and providing cost-effective full through-life support services in domains including airborne sensors, rotorcraft, fixed wing aircraft, unmanned air systems (UAS) and cyber security.

Several of these can be seen in Leonardo’s 7,000m2 outdoor display area, which will include aircraft that are making their first appearance at Farnborough, such as the very latest variant of the AW101 helicopter for the Royal Norwegian Air Force and the P-72A maritime patrol aircraft (MPA) of the Italian Air Force.

The outdoor area covers key capabilities in strategic markets for Leonardo, including maritime security and rescue (SAR), Intelligence, Surveillance & Reconnaissance (ISR) and training and light attack. In maritime security, Leonardo’s SAR capabilities is well represented, with the SAR variant of the AW101 with its integrated Leonardo OSPREY AESA radar, an AW189 and a full scale cabin mock-up of the AW609 tiltrotor in its SAR configuration.

An AW169 in its utility/air ambulance configuration is also on show. Representing Leonardo’s close relationship with its military customers and how the company’s capabilities in the maritime security domain are helping them meet their objectives, a Royal Navy AW159 WILDCAT is on display, while an upgraded Brazilian Navy Super LYNX Mk21A helicopter highlights Leonardo’s MLU (Mid-Life Upgrade) capabilities for its range of proven military rotorcraft, as well as for naval and land platforms.

The P-72A multi-mission aircraft is making its Farnborough debut. Ideal for maritime patrol, prevention of piracy, smuggling, drug trafficking and illegal immigration, the P-72A is equipped with Leonardo’s ATOS mission system and SEASPRAY E-scan surveillance radar. At the smaller end of the ISR scale, the AWHERO is representing company’s expertise in rotary-winged UAS, being shown equipped with the company’s GABBIANO TS ultra-light radar.

Leonardo’s remotely-piloted FALCO EVO, Leonardo’s tactical fixed-wing unmanned ISR platform that can fly for up to 20 hours, carrying a payload of up to 100kg, is also on show. The FALCO EVO can be equipped with a number of the company’s sensor systems, also on show at Farnborough, including the OSPREY radar, a range of advanced Electronic Warfare (EW) products and avionics including the latest Mode 5 Identification Friend or Foe (IFF) systems.

Headlining Leonardo’s training and light attack offer, the M-346FA (Fighter Attack) is present, a development of Leonardo’s proven M-346 trainer, which is shown equipped with the company’s GRIFO-346 radar. The T-100 with Large Area Display, that is competing for the US T-X tender, is also on display.

Inside Leonardo’s stand, a stunning exhibition area is showcasing the company’s new products and systems around the three core themes of Combat, IAR and Training and Support, while a central focal-point displays key examples of Leonardo’s integrated capabilities.

Partnerships ware a major focus for Leonardo at Farnborough. As a major member of the Eurofighter TYPHOON programme, Leonardo is supporting Eurofighter’s presence at the show. Leonardo plays a key role in the provision of TYPHOON’s airframe and provides over 60% of its avionics , including leading the consortia responsible for the aircraft’s radar, defensive aids suite and infrared search and track system, which raises Leonardo’s programme contribution to 36 percent. The company is leading the delivery of the entire TYPHOON system for the Kuwait Air Force.

Leonardo also plays an important role in many of the highest-profile on-going international aerospace, defence, security and space programmes. In a key example, the company is leading OCEAN2020, the European Defence Fund’s strategic research programme for naval surveillance technology and maritime safety. Leonardo is leading a team of 42 partners from 15 European countries to deliver this critical research into the maritime technologies of the future. In another, the European MALE RPAS programme will see Leonardo join Airbus and Dassault to foster the development of the latest unmanned technologies, contributing to the sustainment of key competencies and jobs within Europe as well as providing Armed Forces with a high-performance and sovereign operational system.