Pioneering MAA-Certified Unmanned Rotary-Wing VTOL System

To achieve this unprecedented certification, Leonardo partnered with Rotron Aerospace to develop a highly reliable and fully bespoke propulsion system. The result was a class-leading engine platform with unmatched time between overhauls (TBO) and field-proven operational performance.

The Challenge

The development of an MAA-certified system presented substantial challenges:

• ‍Rigorous Compliance: Navigating the exhaustive administrative protocols and technical documentation demanded by MAA airworthiness certification standard‍
• Hardware Integrity: Meeting the extremely stringent reliability and endurance criteria through comprehensive test campaigns, often exceeding civilian aviation benchmarks‍
• Long-Term Commitment: The entire programme spanned over five years, requiring deep collaboration, continuous innovation, and resilience across technical and regulatory teams.

Rotron Aerospace’s Contribution

Rotron Aerospace was tasked with the end-to-end development of the propulsion system - from initial concept through to certification support and in-field delivery.

Key highlights include:

• Custom-Engineered Propulsion System: Designed specifically to meet the mission profile and integration requirements of Leonardo’s VTOL platform.‍
• Unprecedented TBO: Delivered a propulsion system with a Time Between Overhaul that outperformed all other engines in its class, ensuring extended operational readiness with minimal maintenance‍
• MAA Certification Support: Provided detailed test data, documentation, and on-site engineering assistance to facilitate successful certification under MAA regulation
• ‍Mission-Proven Reliability: Multiple propulsion systems have been deployed and validated in demanding operational environments, confirming their robustness and consistency.

This programme represented a landmark achievement - not just for Leonardo, but for the wider defence aerospace industry. Achieving MAA certification for an unmanned rotary-wing VTOL system demanded an unprecedented level of technical rigor and regulatory compliance. Rotron Aerospace delivered a propulsion solution that met and exceeded our expectations, with unmatched reliability and performance that were critical to certification and mission success.

_{Clive Scott, Head of Programs, Leonardo Helicopters}

Impact

This project set a new standard for the integration of unmanned aerial systems in defence-grade applications. It not only demonstrated that MAA certification for unmanned rotary-wing platforms is achievable but also validated the critical role of tailored propulsion in achieving such milestones.

Rotron’s work with Leonardo now serves as a benchmark in the industry - combining innovation, certification expertise, and real-world reliability.