Leonardo-Finmeccanica acquires Sistemi Dinamici, SD-150 Hero

ROME, Dec. 28 (UPI) -- Leonardo-Finmeccanica has finalized its takeover of Sistemi Dinamici, a joint venture between IDS Corporation and AgustaWestland, the latter of which was acquired by Leonardo in 2015.

Under the terms of the acquisition, Leonardo assumes full control of IDS Corporation's remaining shares in the joint venture, in addition to the Hero unmanned helicopter program.

The SD-150 Hero is an unmanned helicopter with civil and military applications. The aircraft is able to operate autonomously based on pre-programmed mission instructions. The unmanned system includes a ground control station that provides full HD video for the operator.

Homeland security applications include border control, disaster assessment, law enforcement and fire prevention. Leonardo officials are confident the acquisition will help them expand their investments in unmanned aircraft systems.

"This acquisition is a testament to the quality of our investments in the field of unmanned systems, a sector with high added value in which Leonardo is a leader in Europe," Leonardo CEO Mauro Moretti said in a press release. "Thanks to a defined investment strategy, our portfolio is further enriched, making Leonardo even more competitive and ready to meet the future challenges in advanced technologies."