Asio-B

Asio-B is a fully automatic, electric vertical take-off and landing (VTOL) mini-UAV built by Selex ES, now part of Leonardo, for surveillance, monitoring and intelligence roles. It uses a fan-ducted design that lets it operate in confined spaces and close to people, and was developed for the Italian Army's Forza NEC modernisation programme.

Overview

Selex ES developed Asio-B alongside the smaller SpyBall-B micro-UAV and the fixed-wing Crex-B as a family of backpackable unmanned systems for the Italian Army, built to meet NATO interoperability standards. The Asio-B and SpyBall-B completed factory acceptance testing in July 2014, clearing the way for delivery to the Italian Army under the Forza NEC programme, which aimed to give dismounted and vehicle-based troops better situational awareness in convoys, urban areas and forward operating bases.

Design and capabilities

Asio-B has a maximum take-off weight of slightly over 8 kg and an endurance of about 30 minutes. Its radio link extends to more than 10 km line of sight, with an operative range of 7 km. The aircraft carries a stabilised colour or infrared camera on a software- and mechanically-stabilised pan-and-tilt mount. It is designed to be fully backpackable and can be deployed and operated from a moving vehicle, with a control station resembling an oversized video-game controller.

Operational history

Asio-B is operated by the Italian Army, which took delivery of the type from 2014 under the Forza NEC programme.

Frequently asked questions

How long can the Asio-B fly?

About 30 minutes per flight.

What is the Asio-B's operating range?

Its radio link reaches more than 10 km line of sight, with an operative range of 7 km.

Who operates the Asio-B?

The Italian Army, under the Forza NEC modernisation programme.

Can the Asio-B be flown near people?

Yes. Its fan-ducted design is intended to let it operate safely in confined spaces and close to personnel.

Who makes the Asio-B?

Selex ES, now part of Leonardo.