New Unmanned Helo from AW

[WhiteOvies]

New unmanned helo design from AW shown at DSEI:

New AgustaWestland Helo Design? (http://www.aviationweek.com/Blogs.aspx?plckBlogId=Blog:27ec4a53-dcc8-42d0-bd3a-01329aef79a7&plckPostId=Blog%3a27ec4a53-dcc8-42d0-bd3a-01329aef79a7Post%3a79a838cf-118b-471b-9840-0a1650e93d41)

It looks rather like an unmanned Wildcat, similar in concept to the Firescout MQ-8C.

[Martin the Martian]

I'm thinking more of an A.109 with a Wildcat undercarriage. Bit oversized, considering the Firescout's lineage?

[WhiteOvies]

The MQ-8C development was asked for by US Special Forces types, mainly so that it had a longer loiter time and could carry a better weapons payload.

The USN seem to like the MQ-8B as it means you can fit more of them into the hanger of a frigate/destroyer.

I would suggest that AW see the UK/European market as wanting the 9C capabilities more often, hence the size. It makes sense to use proven technology/designs I suppose to make it cheaper and perhaps even allow spares commonality with manned helos already in service.

The USMC is getting a lot of experience with K-MAXX unmanned helos in Afghanistan, interesting times for unmanned aviation ahead, if we can sort out the regulatory issues that killed off EuroHawk.

[dragartist]

I did not get to DSEi this time. Was the CQ10B there? This machine is very cost effective in comparison. May not look as sexy or come out of a well known design stable.