Leonardo at RIAT 2023

14-16 July 2023
From 14-16 July 2023, Leonardo supported the Royal International Air Tattoo (RIAT) hosted at RAF Fairford, playing a central role in the STEM Techno Zone. Several Leonardo aircraft flew over the weekend, while a number of them were also on static display.

On the first day of the show, we announced the next package of survivability upgrades to the Eurofighter Typhoon’s Praetorian Defensive Aids Sub-System (DASS). Visitors to the show were able to learn more about the new capabilities of Praetorian DASS in the static area, where we showcased the technology on-board a Navajo test aircraft operated by 2Excel. Next to the aircraft, attendees could learn more about our Falcon Shield technology, with a full demonstration of the capability on display. We also announced a contract from UK Ministry of Defence to launch the next stage of the Excalibur Flight Test Aircraft (FTA) project, which will test the integrated sensors, non-kinetic effects (ISANKE) and integrated communications systems (ICS) that Leonardo and its international partners are developing for the Global Combat Air Programme (GCAP).

Just outside the Techno Zone, members of the Tempest Early Careers Network (TECN), including those from Leonardo, gave attendees a tour of the Tempest Full Scale Replica. Team Tempest had its own stand at the show, where other TECN members explained how the technology they are working on will bring the aircraft to life, and promoted the early career roles available as part of Generation Tempest.

Techno Zone

Over the past 100 years, Leonardo has designed and built some of the UK’s most iconic aircraft and developed a range of sensors that help guide them on their missions, identify their targets and protect them against incoming threats.

This is only possible because of the skills and passion of the talented people who choose to work with us.

At this year’s RIAT Techno Zone, visitors had the opportunity to meet some of our young engineers, hearing why they chose a career in STEM and learning about some of the technology behind many of the aircraft on display, through our hands-on interactive activities including:

  • Miysis: Sense and Detect – this exhibit simulates a real-life Miysis Direct Infrared Countermeasure, detecting threats and tracking them around the room. See it in action tracking down teddy bears and differentiating them from the safe humans.
  • AW101 Search & Rescue – can you locate and rescue those lost at sea with our AW101 exhibit? Cranking the handle will turn the miniature helicopter’s blades and cause it to lift off, after which attendees can steer it towards flashing red lights. Hovering over the lights will turn them green, saving the stranded seafarers.
  • Project Grid – Can you help prevent the cyber-attack before it is too late? This physical display demonstrates why a robust cyber resilience solution is so critical, when a cyber-attack is focused on critical national infrastructure (CNI) with the intention of causing a blackout across a region. The attack starts at a transmission substation and highlights how it would disrupt a commercial airport. While the airport still has crucial systems working, supplementary welfare systems such as water, light and heating would be affected, causing panic in the airport as a result of delays, flight cancellations and diversions for arriving aircraft.

Flying Display

Throughout the RIAT weekend, many planes and helicopters from around the world – including several that Leonardo manufactures or significantly contributes to – participated in incredible flying displays.

RAF Typhoon Display Team

Piloted by RAF Typhoon Display Team pilot Flight Lieutenant Matthew Brighty, the aircraft wowed crowds with its incredible agility and awesome power throughout the RIAT weekend. Leonardo provides over 60% of the Typhoon’s avionics and is incredibly proud to sponsor the RAF Typhoon Display Team.

C-27J Spartan

The Italian Air Force's Leonardo C-27J Spartan aircraft – the world’s most effective multi-mission medium turboprop airlifter – flew during the weekend.

T-346A

The Italian Air Force's T-346A jet trainer also flew at RIAT. The M-346 is a twin-engine, tandem-seat jet aircraft with fully digital flight controls and avionics, optimised for advanced military pilot training, offering a broad range of training capabilities combined with long-term reliability, at the heart of a complex and integrated training system. The wide flight envelope, high thrust-to-weight ratio and ‘carefree’ manoeuvrability at high angles of attack make the M-346’s handling similar to that of next-generation combat aircraft, like the Eurofighter Typhoon or the F-35. This maximises training effectiveness and reduces flight hours on front line aircraft.

AW139

Leonardo's AW139 flew during the weekend. The multi-mission AW139 brings an unrivalled pedigree, as the best-selling twin-engine helicopter in its class with more than 1,000 units in service with customers worldwide.

JAS-39C Gripen

The Swedish Air Force’s SAAB Gripen combat aircraft showcased its power and manoeuvrability during the weekend's flying displays, and will also be on static display. Leonardo’s association with the Gripen programme dates back to 2009, since when the aircraft has been equipped with several of the company’s radars, sensors and avionics systems.

Other aircraft flying

On the Saturday and Sunday, the Czech Air Force flew their PZL-Świdnik medium-size twin-engine W-3 Sokol helicopter.

Static Display

More than 170 fixed and rotary-wing aircraft were on display in the static area during RIAT, including the Royal Navy's twin-engine multi-mission AW159 Wildcat and multi-role AW101 Merlin helicopters, the Italian Air Force's T-346 jet trainer and the Qatar Emiri Air Force's Eurofighter Typhoon.

Leonardo's AW139, AW169 and AW189 helicopters were also in the static display. The multi-mission AW139 brings an unrivalled pedigree, as the best-selling twin-engine helicopter in its class with more than 1,000 units in service with customers worldwide.

The AW189 is equipped to tackle the most demanding medical and rescue missions. Its class-leading speed, range and payload ensure the highest performance in Search and Rescue (SAR) and Medical Evacuation (MEDEVAC) missions, even in icing conditions. Its long range and endurance provide an enormous advantage for missions when lives are on the line.

The versatile AW169 is used for medical and rescue services. security services and energy services, bringing unrivalled operating capability in the most challenging conditions. It features a unique-in-class Auxiliary Power Unit (APU) mode that ensures mission-readiness with rotors stopped and enhanced ground safety.

Other aircraft on static display at RIAT, manufactured by Leonardo's forerunner, Westland, included the Westland Sea King, Westland Gazelle and Westland Lynx, Westland Scout and Westland Wasp.

Global Combat Air Programme (GCAP) & Generation Tempest

Just outside the Techno Zone, visitors will have the chance to sit in the full-scale GCAP concept aircraft. As part of Team Tempest, Leonardo is focused on developing the programme's advanced defence electronics, working alongside the UK Ministry of Defence, BAE Systems, Rolls Royce and MBDA UK to provide the technologies, knowledge, skills and expertise to develop the technologies and capabilities necessary to see a new combat air system go into service in 2035.

As well as hosting the concept aircraft, members from the Tempest Early Careers Network (TECN) will be on the Team Tempest stand available to answer questions about GCAP and the associated career opportunities for Generation Tempest.

Discover how we are developing a Future Combat Air System