Italy's Leonardo-Finmeccanica has begun flight testing of its SW-4 Solo remotely piloted helicopter to verify its operational characteristics and validate flight procedures

The testing is being performed in collaboration with the DTA, or Distretto Tecnologico Aerospaziale Pugliese, and the Italian Civil Aviation Authority. The testing started late last week in Puglia, Italy, and will continue until early next year, the company said.

"The SW-4 Solo is testimony of Leonardo's industrial commitment and innovation in unmanned aircraft, a sector of increased global competition and is part of a portfolio of solutions making Leonardo the only European company able to provide a complete 'unmanned' system," said Mauro Moretti, chief executive officer and general manager of Leonardo-Finmeccania. "When presented with an advancement of technology, the winning regions are those who can adapt to market needs."

The SW-4 Solo is derived from the SW-4 helicopter produced by Leonardo in Poland. It is designed to be remotely piloted or flown with a pilot on board.

The aircraft's advanced systems and sensors are made by the company in Italy and Britain. It is designed for hydrological and critical infrastructure monitoring, firefighting, search and rescue, patrol, and disaster relief missions.