AIAD - Federazione Aziende Italiane per L'Aereospazio, la Difesa e la Sicurezza

Helicopters

Leonardo’s helicopters are an outstanding product of the Italian engineering tradition. The Company is active in the design, development, production, customer support and marketing of Leonardo’s extensive range of products: modern helicopters and tiltrotor for civil, parapublic and defence applications.

The Company manages the entire helicopter development and production cycle. The plants, located in Italy, the UK, Poland and the U.S., are fully integrated and are organised around “centres of excellence” that support the final assembly lines. The final assembly lines are in Vergiate and Tessera (Italy), Yeovil (UK), Swidnik (Poland) and Philadelphia (U.S.).

Current production covers all the main helicopter weight categories, from the 1.8 tonne single-engine to the 16 tonne three-engine.

All the helicopters are dual use platforms except some specific military platforms: AW159, AW101, AW129 and NH90. The AW139, AW169 and AW189 models are part of a family of new generation helicopters, all featuring the same design philosophy and the same certification and safety standards. The family’s models also share many component parts and approach to maintenance and training. This translates into significant advantages in terms of operational efficiency and a reduction in through-life costs for the users.

Leonardo considers innovation a key driver for growth and is committed to the study and introduction into the market of state-of-the-art technologies and platforms, including the AW609 tiltrotor, which combines the advantages of the fixed-wing aircraft’s speed/range/altitude with the helicopter’s capability to vertically take off/land and hover into one machine. Innovative solutions include, remotely controlled/optionally piloted aircraft such as the AWHERO and the SW-4 Solo, in the development of Rotary Wing Unmanned Air Vehicles (RUAV) and Optionally Piloted Helicopters (OPH), which provide a great level of operational flexibility. The Division’s investment in the research, development and supply of a wide range of advanced technologies contributes to improving its helicopters’ performance and safety, and reducing operating costs and environmental impact.

Leonardo considers customer satisfaction to be of great importance, and thanks to its service centre network it offers an excellent level of support for both maintenance and training. The service centres supply spare parts, carry out repairs and overhauls throughout the product lifecycle, around the world, 24 hours a day.

The Company also includes the operations of Polish subsidiary PZL-Swidnik, acquired in 2010 and the swiss company Kopter, whose acquisition was completed on 8th Febuary 2020.

Aircraft

Leonardo is also one of the leading companies in the world in military and civil aviation and a strategic industrial partner in the design and construction of aircraft for the global market players.

The Company is engaged in the design, development and production of trainer aircraft, military aircraft, aircraft for special missions, unmanned systems and nacelles. It is also active in logistic support, maintenance technicians and crew training for the above-mentioned products.

In the training sector, it offers a range of aircraft that cover the entire pilot training syllabus, basic-advanced training on the new M-345 and into the advanced/lead-in fighter training phase with the M-346, now also available in the multi role version (M-346FA). It also offers a fully integrated Ground Based Training System (GBTS) designed to allow for efficient and effective training to military pilots and ground crew that includes state-of-the-art Live Virtual simulation.

The flight simulators will be the focus of the training of the International Flight Training School (IFTS), which was set up in collaboration with the Italian Air Force, and is an international advanced training academy for military pilots assigned to the latest generation fighter aircraft.

In the field of military aircraft, the Division produces advanced aircraft, leader in their class, such as the tactical airlifter C-27J, now available in the new Next Generation configuration, with its special mission MC-27J variants including C3-ISR, Fire Support and MP/SAR; the ATR72 MP (Maritime Patrol) and the ATR72 ASW (Anti-Submarine Warfare) twin turboprop.

In the regional transport aircraft segment, ATR (50% Leonardo and 50% Airbus) is the most successful in the global market for twin-engine turboprop aircraft, with over 1,500 aircraft sold and more than 200 operators in nearly 100 countries. The latest version in production, known as the -600 series, features digital avionics, especially comfortable interiors, and reduced operational costs. The aircraft is available in the 50-seat version (ATR 42) and 70+ seat version (ATR 72).

International collaborative programmes include the Eurofighter Typhoon, the nEUROn (the European full-scale technological demonstrator for an Unmanned Combat Aerial Vehicle (UCAV), the U.S. F-35 Lightning II programme and and now in the planned development of the future fighter aircraft the Tempest.

In the UAS sector, Leonardo has implemented technology demonstrators, such as the Sky-X and Sky-Y that have been used as platforms for both national and European advanced research programmes and that helped to build experience that has allowed the Company to play an important role in the new generation European MALE RPAS (Remote Piloted Aircraft System) programme.

Aerostructures

Leonardo, by virtue of its experience in the processing of advanced materials, plays a leading role in major U.S. and European civil aviation programmes. It designs, builds, tests and integrates structures and components for the major civil aircraft programmes in Europe and in the U.S. The range of products includes several types in the Boeing, Airbus, and ATR portfolios.

The Company provides Boeing with the supplying of advanced composite aerostructures for the 787 Dreamliner, 767 and 777. In particular, for the twin-engine Boeing 787 programme Leonardo contributes a significant part of the design and technology through the building of two sections of the fuselage and the horizontal stabilizer, which together total 14% of the aircraft’s structure.

Within the collaboration with Airbus, spanning more than 30 years, one of the most important programmes is the A380, where the Company plays a central role through the production of a significant part of the middle section of the fuselage. Leonardo also designed and builds the wing stringers of the A320 and the fuselage front section of the A321.

For the ATR family, leonardo builds and equips all fuselages, complete with tail surfaces, for the 70-seat ATR 72 and the 50-seat ATR 42, utilising the highest amount of advanced materials among regional aircraft.

Electronics

Leonardo provides competitive, state-of-the-art complex systems and sensors for air platforms, including military aircraft, trainers, commercial planes, helicopters, UAVs, as well as space sensors and equipment for satellites. In particular, it provides ISTAR solutions (Intelligence, Surveillance, Target Acquisition & Reconnaissance), based on integrated and agnostic architectures, thus capable of operating on any platform and with any on-board equipment to ensure a constant situational awareness and interoperability with any other operational asset. The Mission Systems, characterised by high flexibility and a user-friendly interface, provide easy management of the onboard sensors and a comprehensive picture of the tactical situation.

The Company is a world leader in airborne Surveillance and Fire Control radars, including advanced mechanically-scanned and Active E-Scan Array radars. Electro-optic and laser technology is used in high-power Infra-Red Search and Track systems for long-range surveillance and targeting.

Leonardo is the leading provider in Europe of airborne Electronic Warfare capability. This includes sensors, countermeasures and self-protection automatic systems, based on infrared technology and expendable RF decoys. It supplies for Electronic Warfare activities and supports customers through its Operational Support Centre, as well as Training Academy.

It also produces unmanned tactical systems, such as the Falco, already selected by different international customers, and equipped with radar and E/O sensors for surveillance missions.

The market needs’ strong heterogeneity has prompted the Company to develop an offer that not only includes providing unmanned platforms, but also solely surveillance services, with platforms managed by Leonardo.

The offer includes, also for commercial planes, flight controls, autopilots, control panels, displays, Communication, Navigation and Identification systems, and Human-Machine Interfaces. Leonardo produces complete mission simulators and specialised training equipment.

In the Electronic field, Leonardo also offers the necessary expertise to guarantee land and naval forces, command and control capability, weapon systems management and network communications as well as operational situational awareness.

In the land domain, the Air Defence solutions for Border, Territory & Maritime Control are based on radar systems, and command and control systems – from the early warning RAT 31 to the multifunctional KRONOS radar family –for surveillance and protection against air and missile threats, including ballistic missiles. In particular, the offer includes integrated Air and Missile Defence capabilities performed by Low level Radar Systems to counteract low flying high manoeuvring threats and multi-mission fully digital sensors belonging to KRONOS radar family in L band against ballistic missile over 1500 km.

The complete capability in Battlespace & Force Protection is guaranteed through the sharing of tactical and operational scenarios, the management of systems deployed in the field, and interoperability through C4I (Command, Control, Communications, Computer, Intelligence) systems. Through these competencies, Leonardo plays a primary role in the Forza NEC programme for the digitisation of the Italian Army.

In the naval domain, Leonardo realises and integrates communication systems, navigation systems, radar sensors, fire control systems and electro-optronics. Moreover, it is the authority in the design of Naval Management Combat Systems (ATHENA) able to satisfy operational requirements for any type of vessel, of any class.

The Company is also involved in the renewal of the Italian Navy’s fleet, with numerous innovative technologies, among these the Integrated Sensor Suite and, an advanced fully AESA family radar, fixed and rotating – X, C and L band, to respond to high precision stealth requirements.

Communication systems with Software Defined Radio innovative technology, for battlefield and naval applications, enable the operations exploits of HV and UHF as well SATCOM in military and civil bands.

The offer is complemented by logistics support integrated solutions and training.

Leonardo also designs, develops and produces land and naval artillery, guided and conventional munition and underwater defence systems. It is among the global leaders in the design, development and manufacture of small, medium and large calibre (12.7 to 127mm) naval guns, and offers a whole range of land artillery ranging from small calibre (7.62 and 12.7 mm) to the larger ones currently on the market (105 and 120mm); innovative naval and land guided munition (DART and VULCANO family); and weaponry for military helicopters and aircraft (TM197B turret, Pintle Mount and the new Gunship). LIONFISH is the new family of small calibre naval turrets. Their light weight, compact dimensions and safe-usage makes them the best choice for installation on small ships or as secondary armament on larger ships. LIONFISH Turrets are available in four different versions: LIONFISH 12.7 INNER RELOADING, LIONFISH 12.7 ULTRALIGHT, LIONFISH 12.7 TOP, LIONFISH 20.

In the land defence sector, the Company through a joint venture with Iveco contributes to the design, development and production of tanks and new generation wheeled armoured vehicles, such as the VBM Freccia and the Centauro, including the latest version, the Centauro II, a product with an outstanding amount of technological content.

In the field of underwater defence systems, it realises light and heavy weight torpedoes, anti-torpedo countermeasure systems for submarines and surface ships, and sonar systems for underwater surveillance. Among the top products in this sector, is the Black Shark, the new generation torpedo conceived to counter the most challenging threats.

Leonardo’s Air Traffic Management (ATM) technologies and services for manned and unmanned aircraft ensure control of all stages of flight and management of ground operations through integrated and modular systems. Air Traffic Control (ATC) systems, radar, surveillance sensors, cyber security solutions, communication and navigation aids, provide support to airport management operators.

Automation

Leonardo’s automation business has developed a full range of systems and solutions for the automation of airport baggage handling, mail sorting centres and courier logistics hubs, based on more than 40 years’ experience.

Cyber Security

Leonardo is one of the major operators in the realisation of solutions for homeland security, protection of critical infrastructure and major events, emergency management, air and maritime traffic control, cybersecurity and data protection, as well as for automation systems in the logistics and transport sectors.

The Company provides secure and integrated communication networks that allows for reliable information management. It realises integrated and interoperable Control Centres that are able to increase operative scenario awareness and efficiently support the management of ordinary and extraordinary events, in accordance with the highest security levels.

It supports the digital transformation of civil and military organisations by developing Software Defined Infrastructures, Security Operation Centres and Intelligence Operation Centres, and developing innovative solutions based on Artificial Intelligence and Analytics that significantly enhance the capability to anticipate threats, manage risks and guarantee effective management of cyberattacks. The NCIRC (NATO Computer Incident Response Capability) System is among the most significant global solutions in the cybersecurity sector, serving over 70,000 users in 29 NATO sites.

Space

In the Space sector, Leonardo provides a complete offering ranging from satellite manufacturing and orbiting infrastructures, up to the management of satellite services and the production of a wide range of high-tech instruments and sensors for applications such as Earth observation, remote sensing of atmospheric phenomena and ecosystems, planetary exploration, navigation missions, telecommunications, Space exploration and in-orbit experiments.

Leonardo operates in the Space sector through two joint ventures – Telespazio (Leonardo 67% and Thales 33%) and Thales Alenia Space (Thales 67% and Leonardo 33%).

Telespazio can count on a wealth of top-level experience: from space systems design and development to launch services and in-orbit satellite control management; from Earth observation services to integrated communications, satellite navigation and localisation, and scientific programmes. The Company’s experience is also drawn from the management of space infrastructure – including the Fucino Space Centre, the world’s largest civilian teleport – as well as from its involvement in major Space programmes.

Thales Alenia Space designs, manufactures, integrates, and tests innovative space technology systems. For over 40 years, Thales Alenia Space has been a leading operator in high performance satellite technologies in both the civilian and defence sectors. The Company is a leading industrial player in environmental programmes, satellite navigation, and defence and security. Thales Alenia Space is also leader in European and international scientific programmes, and one of the key suppliers of the International Space Station.

Through the Electronics Division, Leonardo also provides a wide range of instruments, sensors and products for Earth observation, Space exploration, navigation and telecommunication. The Company is one of the main operators at the European and international level, with an offer that includes radio frequency devices, photovoltaic panels, atom clocks, distribution and power control systems and robotic arms.

Additionally, Leonardo has a minority shareholding in AVIO, leader in the space launcher sector and in spacecraft propulsion and space exploration.

Leonardo DRS

Design, development and manufacture of integrated products, services and support for military forces, intelligence agencies, and leading defence contractors around the world.

Kopter                          

Development of a new generation of light helicopters with advanced hybrid/electric propulsion technologies.

Leonardo UK

Development and production of civil and military helicopters, electronic systems and cyber solutions in the defence and security field.

PZL-SWIDNIK

Design, development and production of helicopters.

Vitrociset

Creation, design and management of complex systems, safety and mission critical. The offer is aimed at highly competitive as well as extremely diversified markets – from defense to security, from logistics to transport, up to space and smart cities.

LGS

Services for the Leonardo Group. Definition of guidelines and centralised management of all Facilities Management activities.

Leonardo International

Supervision of shareholdings in companies present in international markets (excluding UK, Poland and the USA) and commercially relevant, with the aim of harmonising operating standards with those of the parent company and providing support in terms of planning and management control.

Leonardo Logistics

Industrial logistics services, optimised transport management and service provider of standard materials, integrated by specialised engineering and Advanced Logistics 4.0 solutions, with digitisation and technological innovation for integrated and sustainable logistics.