Leonardo’s Falco Xplorer unmanned aerial system has recently successfully completed an important test activity at Trapani Birgi airport aimed at validating the “Detect and Avoid” (DAA) technology demonstrator, part of the EUDAAS project funded under the European Defence Industrial Development Programme (EDIDP).
The demonstration, attended by military and industrial representatives from the five Member States involved in the initiative (Sweden, Italy, Germany, France and Spain), represents a key milestone in the integration of large unmanned aircraft into European airspace alongside manned aircraft, addressing crucial needs in both the civil and military sectors.
The flight demonstration concluded a technological development cycle that began four years ago in Europe under the coordination of Saab, with the involvement of industrial excellence in the aerospace sector supported by an ecosystem of 10 European partners. Thanks to the engineering support provided by Leonardo, in particular by the Ronchi dei Legionari site, the EUDAAS project has enabled the development of cutting-edge technologies that allow unmanned aircraft to operate in non-segregated airspace, an innovation that will improve the safety and efficiency of air traffic throughout Europe. The role of the Falco Xplorer as an “in-flight” laboratory highlights Leonardo’s commitment to advancing autonomous flight and artificial intelligence capabilities.
In detail, the activities conducted in Trapani confirmed the effectiveness of the solutions developed for the DAA demonstrator, including advanced sensors, innovative digital flight control algorithms and intelligent systems. The latter ensure a clear and complete picture of the air traffic situation, the ability to maintain safety distances and avoid collisions, allowing unmanned aircraft to operate safely and efficiently in class AG airspace. These technologies optimize safety by detecting and avoiding both cooperative and non-cooperative air traffic, allowing to perform maneuvers necessary to prevent conflicts with a reduction in the workload of operators.
The DAA system represents a revolutionary capability for the aviation industry, in line with ICAO standards. This system, which integrates cooperative and non-cooperative sensors, a central processing computer and a DAA display for pilot guidance, provides a solid basis for the safe and reliable operation of unmanned aircraft in different classes of airspace.
The Falco Xplorer demonstrated its advanced detection and collision avoidance capabilities, highlighting how unmanned aircraft can be integrated into standard air traffic management systems and confirming Leonardo’s role as a leader in innovative aerospace solutions. The results of this demonstration are set to have long-term positive effects, enabling unmanned aircraft to operate as reliable assets in support of a variety of operational needs across Europe.
Based on the results achieved, the next project, “EUDAAS1”, will start on 2 December under the EDF (European Defence Fund) 2023 programme. With the continued support of the European Commission, EDF and the five Member States, the full set of DAA functionalities will be developed to the highest levels of technological readiness, including the definition of European standards within the EUROCAE WG-105 working group as a basis for future system certification. The strong collaboration between European institutions, Member States and industrial partners highlights the shared effort towards innovation in the European aeronautical sector.
With the success of the Falco Xplorer in the EUDAAS programme, Leonardo reaffirms its commitment to building the future of unmanned aviation and ensuring increasingly safe skies. The Falco Xplorer, a state-of-the-art unmanned aerial system, has completed around 100 test flights and achieved Initial Operational Capability (IOC) in the ISTAR (Intelligence, Surveillance, Target Acquisition and Reconnaissance) configuration. Building on the consolidated heritage of the Falco Evo, the Falco Xplorer is designed to meet dual needs, offering continuous territorial surveillance, 24/24, in all weather conditions. It is equipped to perform a wide range of both military and government missions. Looking ahead, the system development plan envisages the integration of a new engine and different armaments to improve its performance. Full Operational Capability (FOC) will be achieved by 7, consolidating the system’s positioning as a cornerstone of modern surveillance and defense solutions.
