AWHERO, Gabbiano UL, Osprey and Mirach-40 All On Show
Claiming to be “the only European firm able to provide complete unmanned solutions for civil and military customers,” Leonardo is bringing its full range of such systems to UMEX 2022 in Abu Dhabi this week.
A member of leading unmanned programmes, such as Eurodrone, Leonardo boasts a wide portfolio of technological solutions including fixed- and rotary-wing platforms, sensors, mission and ground control systems, drone navigation and traffic management, training services, and counter-UAS solutions. “The UAE is a nation that seeks to innovate in all that it does,” explained Vincenzo Romano, Leonardo General Manager in the UAE, “and this is why Leonardo continues to support, through its latest technological solutions, their daily in-field operation including security management, air transport, and naval platforms. The unmanned sector, where Leonardo’s platforms are operationally proven, may also pave the way for new opportunities of mutual collaboration […] Leonardo has a branch in Abu Dhabi and from the [19]70s provided high-tech platforms to the UAE armed forces, institution and local partners, including more than 100 helicopters, naval systems, secure communications applications, space technologies and training aircraft, with the Aermacchi MB-339 chosen for [the] Emirati national aerobatic team, Al Fursan”.
At UMEX, the company will promote its AWHERO dual-use UAS platform that can perform civil and military missions over land and sea. Last October, it received basic military certification from Italy’s Directorate for Air Armaments and Airworthiness, marking the world’s first military certification for a rotary-wing UAS in the 200kg class. The platform can integrate advanced sensors and suites, such as the Gabbiano Ultra-Light radar – also on display – an affordable, compact, and lightweight device ideally suited to small manned or unmanned aircraft.
Leonardo is also promoting Osprey, the first truly multi-domain AESA surveillance radar, currently in use by 12 international operators for a range of missions covering defence, security and civil protection to environmental monitoring and search and rescue. The radar is currently available in two variants: the compact Osprey 30 and the larger, more powerful Osprey 50.
The Mirach 40 will also be on show at UMEX. This reusable target drone simulates a variety of airborne threats – radar, IR and visual, allowing realistic training scenarios for air defence troops. Some 16 armed forces – including those of Belgium, France, Germany, Italy and the UK, have trained with one or more members of the Mirach family of target drones.
