SAS Technology demonstrates Sarisa SRS-1A UCAV launching AIHMI loitering munition loaded with dummy Thales FZ-90 70mm rocket.

Greek company SAS Technology, on June 2, 2023, conducted a successful flight test of the AIHMI S.O.L.M. (Stand-Off Loitering Munition) system. This accomplishment marks another significant advancement in its defense program, which has provided cutting-edge innovative solutions to the Hellenic and international defense industry.

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AIHMI AHM-1X (also known as Sharp Point or Spearhead in Greek) was evaluated in its standard configuration loaded with a dummy 2.75'' rocket, and it was released from the UCAV SARISA SRS-1A, an unmanned combat aerial vehicle designed by SAS Technology (Picture source: SAS Technology)

The test was conducted shortly after the DEFEA 2023 defense exhibition in Athens, held from May 9 to 11, where SAS Technology unveiled the system to the public for the first time. This successful flight test demonstrates SAS Technology's dedication to fulfilling its commitment to promptly testing this unique aerial system. AIHMI AHM-1X (also known as Sharp Point or Spearhead in Greek) was evaluated in its standard configuration loaded with a dummy 2.75'' rocket, and it was released from the UCAV SARISA SRS-1A, an unmanned combat aerial vehicle designed by SAS Technology.

The ΑΙΗΜΙ SOLM belongs to a new breed of innovative loitering munition systems, that turns a known and reliable weapon like the 2.75 (70mm) rocket, from a short-range weapon to a medium and extended range one, with significant loitering time and range. The AIHMI can deliver a “surgical” precision hit on a target in long distances (60-100 km) depending on the release altitude, combining powered and gliding flight phases. At the terminal phase, it launches its rocket from a distance of up to 7 km from the target (STAND-OFF), remaining outside of the target’s protection zone (anti-drone or A/A defense systems). AIHMI can be carried and delivered by the UCAV SARISA or a fixed-wing UCAV like TALOS II, which is under development by SAS Technology. It could also with proper modification, be carried by attack helicopters or slower aircraft.

This system in a lower cost configuration, can also be also loaded with unguided rockets, like the THALES FZ-90 rocket. Because of the nature of the system’s missions, it could best fit army and navy operations using mainly SARISA UCAV as a carrier, or the Air Force using it as munition for TACTICAL or MALE fixed-wing UCAV.

During the test, the AIHMI was launched from an altitude of 300m AGL (Picture source: SAS Technology)

During the test, the AIHMI was launched from an altitude of 300m AGL. The objective was to evaluate its flight characteristics and performance. For safety reasons, as it was its first flight, the control was always to the remote pilot, but in its normal operation, it will perform an automated flight to the target. The AIHMI was fully controllable in precision maneuvers, it performed go-arounds within the selected flight area and it demonstrated its ability to climb in higher throttle settings. The AIHMI flight speeds during the test varied from 85 to 175 km/h. This flight test in real conditions and with a typical load, proved the SAS Technology’s engineering team’s design and ensured that the system is ready to enter the production phase.

SAS has already started receiving advance orders from customers, which will be finalized after the firing test that is to follow soon and will be conducted under the auspices of the Hellenic MoD authorities and with the support of SAS partners, Hellenic Defense Systems (HDS) and Thales Belgium.

The AIHMI can deliver a “surgical” precision hit on a target in long distances (60-100 km) depending on the release altitude, combining powered and gliding flight phases (Picture source: SAS Technology)