Leonardo and NORCE to investigate autonomous capabilities in Norway

Under a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed by both organisations, future research could benefit both crewed and uncrewed air systems, while enabling greater freedom of action in contested and congested environments.

This includes the potential development of maritime wave prediction modelling to facilitate embarked take offs and landings, as well as building resilience against the degradation or denial of the Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS).

Research undertaken by Leonardo and NORCE would create a hub of Arctic-proven autonomy and navigation technology in Northern Norway, while likely increasing opportunities for domestic and export markets.

Leonardo has an increasingly strong relationship with Norway after successful delivery of the 16th AW101 All-Weather Search and Rescue Helicopter earlier this year.

The fleet has been operating with over 99% availability and is quickly becoming a vital asset to Norway, whose coastline is one of the largest in Europe at over 15,000 miles. Since entering service these helicopters have flown more than 22,000 hours on Search & Rescue and other military taskings.

Rune Storvold, SVP Observing Systems, NORCE, said:
– NORCE is proud to be working with a leading aviation manufacturer such as Leonardo that today delivers critical search and rescue capabilities to Norway and potentially helicopters for the new frigates. These are essential capacities ensuring safety and security for decades to come for us living in the North, and it is exciting for NORCE to make our own contributions to this together with Leonardo.

Bow Wheaton, Helicopters Campaign Manager, Leonardo, said:
– Leonardo Helicopters is offering our highly capable AW101 helicopter to complement Norway’s selection of the BAE Systems Type 26 frigate for their Anti-Submarine Warfare requirement. Our MoU with NORCE paves the way for close Research and Innovation ties between us as we explore spiral capability concepts together that will help both Norway and the UK retain operational advantage on both crewed and uncrewed air systems well into the future.

The AW101 is a versatile and agile platform capable of conducting numerous mission types including Search and Rescue and Anti-Submarine Warfare, and is in operation with Armed Forces around the world.