The Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) has collaborated with Lockheed Martin’s Sikorsky to demonstrate a Black Hawk helicopter performing pilotless logistics and rescue missions.
As part of the US Army’s Project Convergence 2022, the flight experiment aimed to show how existing utility helicopters could one day perform complex missions in reduced crew or autonomous modes.
It could allow soldiers greater flexibility during missions in highly-contested environments.
Autonomous Flight Details
During the experimental flight, an optionally-piloted Black Hawk helicopter carried a large quantity of blood product and flew low and fast above ground level to mask its signature.
Before taking off, demonstrators activated the aircraft’s MATRIX system to give full control to the flight computer.
The chopper then flew 83 miles (133 kilometers) while loaded with 400 units of real and simulated blood at a speed of up to 100 knots (185 kilometers/115 miles per hour).
Additionally, the helicopter performed another pilotless flight carrying a 2,600-pound external load for 30 minutes toward a designated landing zone.
During the flight, demonstrators redirected the helicopter to simulate a threat that had to be neutralized near the landing site.
“Sikorsky demonstrated how a ground operator with a secure radio and tablet can take control of the uncrewed helicopter, command it to release its sling load, and then land to evacuate a casualty from a nearby location,” Sikorsky stated in a press release.
Modernizing Helicopter Fleet
Sikorsky director Igor Cherepinsky claimed that the company’s MATRIX technology improves survivability in high-threat environments.
It could also help aviators safely perform critical and lifesaving missions day or night in complex terrain.
“We believe MATRIX technology is ready now for transition to the Army as they look to modernize the enduring helicopter fleet,” Cherepinsky said.
Sikorsky and DARPA vow to continue working on integrating autonomous technologies for various military operations.
