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The remotely-controlled UAS features automatic take-off and landing capabilities, enhanced airframe, increased aerodynamic configuration with a reinforced wing, offering an increased surface and higher aspect ratio, and a removable external section wing to guarantee easy ground transportation.

Capable of flying up to 45,000ft, with an endurance of 16 hours, the design and performance of the modified aerodynamic configuration has already been evaluated during comprehensive low speed / high speed wind tunnel testing.

Additional features will include the Selex ES-built advanced vehicle control and management system (VCMS) and air data terminal (ADT), as well as a customised mission management system (MMS) for the control of all mission specific equipment.

The STANAG USAR 4671-compliant UAS is scheduled to undergo its first test flight this year, after completing the VCMS integration and the ground test programme.

ShanwickOceanic wrote:It's getting to that time of year where I have to start checking the date when I see stuff like this...

AndesSMF wrote:

ShanwickOceanic wrote:It's getting to that time of year where I have to start checking the date when I see stuff like this...

Believe or not, this appears to be a serious design.

Lucas wrote:At first I was wondering if I was in some strange "photoshop the airplane" thread.

They unveiled a model of the aircraft at the IDEX defense exhibition in Abu Dhabi on Feb. 18 following the rollout and first taxi-tests at an airbase in Italy on Feb. 14.

Piaggio hopes to fly the prototype Hammerhead before the end of the year and plans to begin marketing it to potential customers at the Paris Air Show in June.

Queso wrote: Photoshopped. This pic is on AW&ST: