UK MOD and partner company Leonardo Helicopters have announced the launch of the second phase of the Rotary Wing Unmanned Air System (RWUAS) demonstrator programme.
The two-year jointly funded programme will help develop concepts for future unmanned rotary wing/VTOL aircraft operations, and draws on the successful demonstrations held at Unmanned Warrior 2016.
DE&S have placed a two-year contract, recognising Leonardo’s unique capabilities and supporting the objectives of the Strategic Partnering Arrangement signed by Leonardo and MOD in July 2016.
The new ten-year Strategic Partnering Arrangement (SPA) with the MOD focusses on: delivering ever increasing value to the UK, continued growth of exports, identifying and developing new technologies and capabilities and their continued investment.
This Research and Development contract aims to identify, develop and exploit the opportunities offered by emerging technologies, looking to reduce costs and increase the agility, flexibility, resilience and persistence of national military equipment and capability.
Minister for Defence Procurement Harriett Baldwin said: “Supported by our rising defence budget and £178Bn Equipment Plan, we want to transform defence and work with industry, academics and allies to find innovative ways to stay at the international cutting edge.
“This two year £8M joint investment will sustain key high-skill jobs in Yeovil and is the next stage in understanding how unmanned air systems can keep our personnel safe on the battlefields of the future.”
Leonardo’s Chief Executive Officer and General Manager Mauro Moretti, said: “This is an exciting time as the opportunities presented by unmanned technologies start to be realised in the vertical take-off and landing sector. These technologies and systems can be a game changer in terms of undertaking a wide range of autonomous operations at a significantly lower cost.”
The contract seeks to create a programme of fundamental and applied research and experimentation to mature, develop understanding of and advance technology, overall system design and operational capabilities to enable embarked, unmanned rotary wing aircraft operations. Utilising specialist engineering skills at Leonardo, the contract will demonstrate new methods and technologies to reduce the risks associated with rotary wing operations.
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DE&S Leonardo MOD Rotary wing unmanned air system RWUAS unmanned Unmanned Warrior 2016
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