Leonardo, as part of its growth strategy in the technological innovation of autonomous flight, invests in Skydweller Aero Inc., a US / Spanish start-up specialized in solar-powered remotely piloted aircraft. The initiative will lead to the development and deployment of the Skydweller drone, the world's first remotely piloted solar powered aircraft capable of carrying large payloads with unlimited persistence in flight capability.

"As an investor and key technology partner of the project, Leonardo will be able to expand its capabilities in the latest generation autonomous flight systems - characterized by innovative aerostructures, ultra-light materials and eco-friendly technologies - improving the company's competitive advantage in the aerospace sector. for the next 20 years ”, commented Alessandro Profumo, Leonardo's CEO.

Compared to existing systems, Skydweller combines unique characteristics of persistence and range with the typical flexibility of an aircraft. It will be able to operate from air bases located all over the world, covering unlimited distances in areas characterized by any environmental condition.

This innovative platform will be used for purposes ranging from terrestrial and maritime surveillance to environmental and infrastructure monitoring, from geo-information services to telecommunications and precision navigation. The system can be quickly deployed to provide communications to support operators in emergency and disaster situations.

The Skydweller project is based on a proven and mature aircraft that successfully circumnavigated the globe in 2016. The first phase of development will focus on converting the aircraft from a conventional piloted platform into an optionally piloted vehicle (OPV - Optionally- Piloted Vehicle), integrating advanced autonomy and management algorithms and systems. The second phase of the project will culminate in the first production aircraft designed exclusively for unmanned operation in extreme environmental conditions. The first flights of the OPV are scheduled for 2020 while the first unmanned production unit is scheduled for 2021.

The system will comply with European export laws and will not be subject to the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) restrictions. This will help meet the governmental and commercial needs of customers globally. In particular, Leonardo will be responsible for the commercialization of the aircraft in Italy, the United Kingdom, Poland and NATO.

The development and construction of the aircraft will be carried out at the Skydweller plant in the Spanish region of Castilla-La Mancha and Leonardo, through the Aircraft Division, will participate in the development and engineering activities with a dedicated team.

Leonardo invests in the first solar-powered drone

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