On Friday, June 2, 2023, SAS Technology 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 defence program, which has provided cutting-edge innovative solutions to the Hellenic and international defence industries. 

The test was conducted shortly after the Athens DEFEA 23 exhibition held from May 9 to 11, where SAS Technology unveiled the system for the first time. 

According to a relevant announcement, 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 launched 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 launch 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 air defence 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. Following proper modification, it could also be carried by attack helicopters or slower aircraft.

In a lower-cost configuration, the system can also be 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. 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 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 the ability to climb in higher throttle settings. The AIHMI flight speeds during the test varied from 85 to 175 km/h.

In real conditions and with a typical load, this flight test confirmed the design of SAS Technology’s engineering team and ensured that the system is ready to enter the production phase.

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

Also read: DEFEA 2023 | The multidimensional presence of SAS Technology at the International Defence and Security Exhibition