Sikorsky launched the first-ever flight of a Black Hawk helicopter without anyone onboard, the company announced this week.
The 30-minute flight of the “optionally piloted” S-70 Black Hawk happened on Feb. 5 over the U.S. Army installation at Fort Campbell, Ky.
The helicopter used the DARPA Aircrew Labor In-Cockpit Automation System (ALIAS) in concert with Sikorsky’s Matrix technology, which is used by pilots in conditions of limited visibility or communications loss.
The automated system executes a pre-flight checklist, starts the helicopter’s engines, spins up its rotors and takes off with no crew onboard, according to a statement by Lockheed Martin, the Stratford-based Sikorsky’s parent company.
On the test flight, a human pilot first flipped a switch, then walked away as the helicopter started its automated takeoff procedures and completed its route. On landing, the helicopter autonomously executed a series of pedal turns, maneuvers and straightaways before landing perfectly, then shutting itself down.
Helicopters with autonomous technology can help soldiers on complex missions and increase safety and reliability in conditions of reduced visibility and confined space, according to Lockheed Martin. The system also allows soldiers to focus on the mission rather than the mechanics of flight.
The lead test pilot for the Kentucky flight, Benjamin Williamson, said, “This capability will allow pilots to confidently switch back and forth between autonomy and piloted modes at any point of their mission with the literal flip of a switch.”
ALIAS technology is currently being incorporated into commercial and military fixed-wing aircraft, according to the company statement.
ALIAS technology may also be included in the U.S. Army’s Future Vertical Lift program, according to DARPA. In the next month, the DARPA ALIAS program plans to conduct the first flight of an autonomous M-model Black Hawk at Fort Eustis, Va.
Sikorksy to build heavy-lift craft for Israel
In other news this week, Lockheed Martin announced it had secured a contract to build 12 CH-53K heavy-lift helicopters for the nation of Israel.
The new deal comes the heels of a contract to produce nine more of the King Stallion heavy-lift choppers for the U.S. Marine Corps.
The new craft will be built at Sikorsky in Stratford, the company said in a statement, “leveraging the company’s digital build and advanced technology production processes.”
Contact Liese Klein at lklein@newhavenbiz.com.
