Piaggio Aero and Selex complete initial flight trials of P.1HH UAS

Piaggio Aero and Selex ES have completed maiden flight of the P.1HH HammerHead unmanned aerial system (UAS) at the Trapani (Italy) Birgi Italian Air Force base, marking completion of demonstration and validation phase of the HammerHead UAS programme.

During the flight trials, the P.1HH demo flight technology demonstrator, which was remotely piloted from the Ground Control Station, performed a flight for approximately 12 minutes mid-flap configuration with landing gear extended.

In addition to demonstrating navigation system and manoeuvring capabilities in both manual and automatic flight modes, the aircraft reached an altitude of 2,000ft and a speed of 170k while flying at 12 miles from the base.

Piaggio Aero CEO Alberto Galassi said the P.1HH DEMO first flight test marks a step ahead in providing the first European developed MALE UAS, capable of performing at the highest technological level aerial, land, coastal, maritime, offshore, COMINT/ELINT and electronic warfare missions.

"The first flight achievement demonstrates the huge progress made by Piaggio Aero, together with Selex ES and the support of the Italian Air Force, in the development of this new generation of Unmanned Aerial Systems," Galassi added.

Selex ES CEO Fabrizio Giulianini said, "Working with Piaggio Aero on the P.1HHHammerHead is a unique and fruitful experience, that is proving how Selex ES can provide the right level of technology, under a very tight schedule and challenging requirements, even in case of a highly innovative environment."

Scheduled to enter into service in 2015, the P.1HH HammerHead technology demonstrator first flight completion also marks the beginning of the next phase of the development of the programme in preparation for operational readiness scheduled for 2014 end.

Designed to meet the need for a high-tech solution for intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance missions (ISR), the Piaggio Aero P.1HH multipurpose system also validated its remote vehicle control & management system (VCMS and Ground Control Station).