The multinational project managed by OCCAR currently sees the participation of four nations and has an important strategic value for Europe
For Italy there will be 20 systems to be built for a total of 60 aircraft. Each system consists of three aircraft and two ground stations for remote aircraft management
Leonardo will develop the Eurodrone mission system, the MALE (Medium Altitude Long Endurance) class remotely piloted aircraft intended to strengthen Europe's strategic autonomy in the field of defense with independent high-performance operating systems. The aircraft's Airborne Mission System (AMS) integrates a suite of advanced sensors, including radar and the Multi Purpose Mission Computer (MPMC). Within the programme, whose total value amounts to 7 billion euro, Leonardo plays a key role, thanks to the industrial workshare on on-board electronics and the aerostructure component, which includes, in addition to the AMS, the Airborne Electrical & Environmental Control System, the Airborn Armament System and the design and production of the entire aircraft wing complex.
Thanks to the advanced suite of sensors that characterize the Airborne Mission System, the Eurodrone will be able to carry out Intelligence, Surveillance, Reconaissance (ISR) missions on sea and land, collecting and integrating, even in critical operating conditions, the data from the various on-board sensors, as well as to record and send them to the ground station and cooperating units, in order to provide a complete tactical picture. The real-time fusion of information has the advantage of minimizing the time and effort required by operators to analyze and understand the events taking place in the area of interest, consequently accelerating response times along the entire supply chain. command.
The design, development, integration and production phases of the AMS system will be carried out in the Leonardo plant in Caselle Torinese. The company will also be involved in supporting the integration of prototypes on the basis of Manching and in flight test activities in the reference ranges. Through the subsidiary MBDA, Leonardo will then take care of the integration of the Brimstone air-to-surface missile. The weapon system will enable the platform to engage and neutralize a wide range of static and moving threats, 24/20 in all weather conditions. The multinational program managed by OCCAR (Organisation Conjointe de Coopération en Matière d'Armement) currently sees the participation of Germany, Spain, France and Italy, has orders for XNUMX systems, each including two ground stations and three aircraft, plus Ground Support Equipment, spare parts, training and five years of assistance in the initial phases of the service.
The innovative technologies that the platform will use, designed for dual-use purposes, will allow it to become one of the pillars of every new generation air system for the benefit of Governments and Armed Forces. The twin-engine drone is the first unmanned aerial system designed to fly in non-segregated airspace and its modular design will result in advanced operational capabilities for ISTAR (Intelligence, Surveillance, Target Acquisition, and Reconnaissance) missions, contributing to expand the independent technology base in the uncrewed industry. The ITAR-free system will offer manufacturers a wide range of opportunities in development, production and operational management activities and will generate 7.000 highly skilled jobs in Europe. The digital approach in drone design, manufacturing and services will ultimately enable significant improvements in development time, quality and cost reduction.