P.1HH Hammerhead prototype completes maiden flight
The Piaggio Aerospace P.1HH Hammerhead Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) has completed its maiden flight, as announced by key programme partner Selex on 24 February.
The flight of the prototype P.1HH Hammerhead was carried out at the Italian Air Force base in Trapani Birgi. The prototype UAV flew with Selex's new vehicle control and management system for the first time, with a Selex ground control station remotely operating the aircraft via data link and communication systems.
With this first flight complete, preparation for the first series production UAS will begin as the programme moves into its next phase.
The mission management system of the P.1HH Hammerhead is based on the Selex SkyISTAR agnostic mission system for surveillance and patrolling missions. The system is capable of responding to a diverse range of threats. It has inbuilt sensor fusion, data management and exploitation features for border control, wide area surveillance, targeted surveillance, environmental and disaster control missions.
Selex has also contributed to the P.1HH Hammerhead programme with its experience in developing and manufacturing UAV surveillance systems and sensors. It has provided the sensor suite for the aircraft, along with communications and customised data link solutions.
Related Equipment in Defence Insight
More from Uncrewed Vehicles
-
![Maris-Tech confirms customers signing up for Jupiter Drones codec and AI-powered system]()
Maris-Tech confirms customers signing up for Jupiter Drones codec and AI-powered system
Launched at AUSA in October, the company’s multi-stream video codec is attempting to bring a new lease of life to drone technology through its AI accelerator.
-
![AUSA 2024: Quantum-Systems targets big 2025 with UAS developments]()
AUSA 2024: Quantum-Systems targets big 2025 with UAS developments
Quantum-Systems has been upgrading its UAS family, with new versions of the Vector, Reliant and Twister drones set for release throughout 2025.
-
![US Army accelerates acquisition and field of company-level sUAS]()
US Army accelerates acquisition and field of company-level sUAS
The service has been using a Directed Requirement (DR) approach to speed up the deployment of a Medium Range Reconnaissance capability.
-
![AeroVironment to display eVTOL P550 at AUSA 2024]()
AeroVironment to display eVTOL P550 at AUSA 2024
AeroVironment’s portfolio will grow thanks to the eVTOL P550 aimed at battalion-level tactical forces.
-
![Australia’s air force aims its UAV fleet northwards]()
Australia’s air force aims its UAV fleet northwards
The Royal Australian Air Force is advancing its unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) capabilities across three key programmes as it works with the likes of Boeing and Northrop Grumman to reshape Australia’s defence strategy.
-
![FTUAS competitor trials were “very successful”, says US Army official]()
FTUAS competitor trials were “very successful”, says US Army official
Prototypes from Griffon Aerospace and Textron Systems recently passed through MOSA conformance trials and flight tests.
