Sikorsky is all set to install its ALIAS/MATRIX flight autonomy system on the US Army’s experimental fly-by-wire UH-60M Black Hawk helicopter.
The upgrade will allow the US Army Combat Capabilities Development Command (DEVCOM) to test and evaluate autonomous capabilities, ranging from single pilot operation to fully unmanned flight.
Integration will be performed in 2025 under the $6-million contract awarded by the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA).
“Autonomy-enabled aircraft will reduce pilot workload, dramatically improve flight safety, and give battle commanders the flexibility to perform complex missions in contested and congested battlespace, day or night in all weather conditions,” Sikorsky vice president and general manager Rich Benton said.
“Soldiers will rely on Black Hawk helicopters into the 2070s, and modernizing the aircraft today will pay dividends for decades across Army Aviation’s current and future aircraft.”
ALIAS Program
The contract is part of DARPA’s ALIAS (Aircrew Labor In-cockpit Automation System) program, which seeks to develop a plug-in, automation technology kit that can be installed on existing manned aircraft, enabling operation with reduced onboard crew.
The MATRIX is the core of the ALIAS program, which saw multiple autonomous flight demonstrations by the UH-60A fly-by-wire Optionally Piloted Black Hawk.
The upgraded aircraft will be designated as the MX aircraft, which will be nearly identical to the Optionally Piloted Black Hawk helicopter.
“The aircraft will enable DEVCOM to explore and mature the practical applications and potential concept of operations of a scalable autonomy system,” the Lockheed Martin subsidiary explained.
“Evaluation will include assessment of different sensor suites to perceive and avoid threats, obstacles and terrain, and develop standards and system specifications interfaced with the MATRIX system and a fly-by-wire flight control system.”