Piaggio Aerospace has completed the first test program of its remotely piloted P.1HH HammerHead aircraft. The program aims to test the satellite control of a MALE (medium altitude long endurance) system and to test and integrate a number of technologies that allow flying beyond radio line-of-sight (BRLOS).
The experimental campaign was carried out at Birgi Airport in Trapani, Italy, by a team of experts by Piaggio Aerospace and Telespazio, a joint-venture between Leonardo and Thales. Telespazio was on the ground to verify the efficiency of the satellite technology in several areas of application.
Tests were performed using the satellite Athena-Fidus, which is managed by the Fucino Space Centre of Telespazio. The satellite allowed both communication to the P.1HH to control the aircraft and the transmission of data from the aircraft’s sensors to the ground. This way, the test fully simulated surveillance missions in BRLOS mode.
Fabio Guida, chief technology officer of Piaggio Aerospace, remarked, “Our aircraft represented the success of a key test at European level for the future development of the defense and security sector, which will increasingly rely on remotely piloted systems of this class.
“The outstanding outcome is the evidence of Piaggio Aerospace’s commitment to the continuous development of the P.1HH HammerHead, the first of which will be delivered this year.”
May 30, 2018
