Piaggio Aerospace has resumed flight testing of its P.1HH HammerHead multipurpose Unmanned Aerial System (UAS), one year after losing the first prototype in an accident.
Piaggio Aerospace announced on 6th July that it had resumed flight test activity for the second prototype of its P.1HH HammerHead multipurpose Unmanned Aerial System (UAS) at Birgi Military Airport in Trapani. The announcement follows the loss of the first prototype in an accident in May 2016.
The P.1HH — which was developed in partership with Leonardo based on the Avanti II twin turboprop — is designed for aero, marine and terrestrial surveillance and reconnaissance. Each system comprises two remotely piloted unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV), a ground control station and integrated navigation and mission systems.
The resumption of flight tests follows the completion of an intensive ground test programme in recent months. The completion of the system and the first deliveries are scheduled for 2018.
The Italian Air Force was the launch customer for the HammerHead, with an order for 6 air vehicles and 3 ground stations, announced in February 2015. The United Arab Emirates followed with an order for eight vehicles in March 2016.