AgustaWestland Demonstrates Unmanned/Optionally Piloted Helicopter To Italian MoD

AgustaWestland demonstrated Rotorcraft Unmanned Aerial System / Optionally Piloted Helicopter (RUAS/OPH) to the Italian Ministry of Defense.

The trials were conducted to evaluate modern remote controlled rotorcraft technology and its potential to provide enhanced capabilities for the Italian armed forces in the future.

The basic aircraft has been developed as a result of close cooperation between AgustaWestland and PZL-Swidnik in Poland.

The aircraft successfully completed the planned missions in OPH configuration with a safety pilot on board. The development phase and flight trials, undertaken both in Italy and Poland, were performed from September 2013 through to May 2014, with the final testing completed in Frosinone, Italy.

The SW-4 Solo RUAS/OPH, based on SW-4 light single-engine helicopter, has been designed for both unmanned and piloted operations. The RUAS version of the SW-4 is capable of performing intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance, as well as cargo re-supply roles.

It can be fitted with a comprehensive mission equipment package including search and communications/ intelligence systems.