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Leonardo SW-4 Solo Drone Takes First Flight

By S.L. Fuller | December 21, 2016

Unmanned

 
 
 
 
 

The Leonardo Solo is an RC version of the SW-4 helicopter. Photo courtesy of Leonardo

Leonardo’s SW-4 Solo drone made a successful first flight last week, the company said. Taking place at the Taranto-Grottaglie Airport in the province of Taranto, Italy, the remote-controlled helicopter’s first flight signifies the start of the experimental campaign, which aims to check characteristics and validate flight procedures, in both normal and emergency conditions.

The Solo is the product of collaboration between Leonardo, Aeroporti di Puglia (AdP) and the Technological Aerospace District (DTA). The drone’s flight program is supported by the National Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) and the DTA. It is set to continue next year. One of Leonardo’s goals is to validate procedures and regulations for an unpiloted aircraft, as opposed to remotely piloted.

Manufactured in Leonardo’s Poland facility, the base SW-4 is a light, single-engine helicopter built for civil multi-role operations. The Solo could be used in missions like firefighting, search and rescue, patrol and civil protection.