Leonardo announces the first European Male class drone flight

Rome  23 May 2018

The first flight campaign to demonstrate satellite control of a European-built MALE-class (Medium Altitude Long Endurance) drone has been completed successfully.

A team comprising Telespazio and Piaggio Aerospace carried out the activity using a remotely-piloted P.1HH HammerHead aircraft as the test bed, developing and integrating capabilities that will enable drones to safely fly in unsegregated air space, beyond the range of ground-based radio coverage (called BRLOS - Beyond Radio Line Of Sight).

The campaign was carried out at Birgi airport in Trapani, Italy in order to evaluate the efficacy of the satellite technology for various dual-use applications under realistic conditions. The flights are in line with the objectives of the DeSIRE II European research project, led by Telespazio and jointly initiated by the European Space Agency (ESA) and European Defence Agency (EDA). DeSIRE II will support European standardisation and regulatory activities in the drone sector.

Telespazio has developed a two-way satellite communication network which was used during the flight campaign. Control data from the ground station was transmitted to remotely operate the P.1HH and its on-board sensors and systems, while data collected by the drone during flight was returned to the ground station via the same network. The system made use of the Athena Fidus satellite resources, managed by Telespazio’s Fucino Space Centre.

The success of this set of trials reinforces Leonardo’s position as a key player in the development of drone-based capabilities, products, and services, with this campaign proving the Company’s ability to support flights of unmanned systems in BRLOS mode. The activities also represent a step towards a future where remotely-piloted aircraft are used to support public services, such as environmental monitoring, surveillance, and emergency management.

Other News & Stories

10.07.2025
The Abruzzo Aerospace District Becomes a Reality: Companies, Universities, and Research Centers United for Innovation

After just a few months of preparation, the Abruzzo Aerospace District (DAAB) has been officially established and is now fully operational. With the addition of dozens of new members and the appointment of its governance structure, the District is ready to foster synergies among companies, research centers, and universities, aiming to become a true engine of innovation, technological growth, and competitiveness for the entire region.

24.06.2025
ESA awards Telespazio UK the Ground Segment contract for TRUTHS Earth Watch Mission

Telespazio UK has been selected by the European Space Agency (ESA) as the Prime Contractor for the Ground Segment of the Earth Watch TRUTHS (Traceable Radiometry Underpinning Terrestrial- and Helio-Studies) mission, covering activities from Phase B2 to E1.

05.06.2025
Latin American Space Agencies Visit the Fucino Space Centre

Today Telespazio’s Fucino Space Centre hosted representatives from the space agencies of the IILA (Italo-Latin American Institute) member countries, as part of the IV Meeting of Space Agencies, organized in collaboration with the Italian Space Agency (ASI).

04.06.2025
Launch of the Honors Program at the Fucino Space Centre: training young talent for the space sector

The Honors Program of the Space Camp – Dai Banchi alle stelle project officially kicked off today at Telespazio’s Fucino Space Centre. The initiative, supported by the Fondo per la Repubblica Digitale – Impresa Sociale, is promoted by Italiacamp and developed in collaboration with Telespazio, Innovalley, and three high schools in the Abruzzo region: “Alessandro Volta” (Pescara), “Luigi Savoia” (Chieti), and “Ettore Majorana” (Avezzano), with scientific input from the British Interplanetary Society.

10.07.2025
The Abruzzo Aerospace District Becomes a Reality: Companies, Universities, and Research Centers United for Innovation

After just a few months of preparation, the Abruzzo Aerospace District (DAAB) has been officially established and is now fully operational. With the addition of dozens of new members and the appointment of its governance structure, the District is ready to foster synergies among companies, research centers, and universities, aiming to become a true engine of innovation, technological growth, and competitiveness for the entire region.

24.06.2025
ESA awards Telespazio UK the Ground Segment contract for TRUTHS Earth Watch Mission

Telespazio UK has been selected by the European Space Agency (ESA) as the Prime Contractor for the Ground Segment of the Earth Watch TRUTHS (Traceable Radiometry Underpinning Terrestrial- and Helio-Studies) mission, covering activities from Phase B2 to E1.

05.06.2025
Latin American Space Agencies Visit the Fucino Space Centre

Today Telespazio’s Fucino Space Centre hosted representatives from the space agencies of the IILA (Italo-Latin American Institute) member countries, as part of the IV Meeting of Space Agencies, organized in collaboration with the Italian Space Agency (ASI).

04.06.2025
Launch of the Honors Program at the Fucino Space Centre: training young talent for the space sector

The Honors Program of the Space Camp – Dai Banchi alle stelle project officially kicked off today at Telespazio’s Fucino Space Centre. The initiative, supported by the Fondo per la Repubblica Digitale – Impresa Sociale, is promoted by Italiacamp and developed in collaboration with Telespazio, Innovalley, and three high schools in the Abruzzo region: “Alessandro Volta” (Pescara), “Luigi Savoia” (Chieti), and “Ettore Majorana” (Avezzano), with scientific input from the British Interplanetary Society.