DARPA’s Black Hawk helicopter completes two missions autonomously
Summary
“Performed Oct. 12, 14 and 18 as part of the U.S. Armys Project Convergence 2022 (PC22) experiment, the flights show how existing and future piloted utility helicopters could one day fly complex missions in reduced crew or autonomous mode. This would give Army commanders and aviators greater flexibility in how and when aircraft and pilots are used, especially in limited visibility or contested environments,” said the statement. DARPA has joined forces with Sikorsky to develop the autonomy technology, called MATRIX, that will be used on rotary and fixed-wing aircraft. "We believe MATRIX technology is ready now for transition to the Army as they look to modernize the enduring helicopter fleet, and acquire Future Vertical Lift aircraft," said Igor Cherepinsky, director of Sikorsky Innovations. Uncrewed or reduced crewed helicopters could safely perform critical and lifesaving missions day or night in complex terrain and in contested battlespace."