US Black Hawk helicopter performs logistics and rescue missions without pilots

News, US November 5, 2022 , by IRIA No Comments

U.S. Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) and Sikorsky successfully conducted rescue operation and cargo resupply mission exercises using a Black Hawk helicopter flying without a human pilot on board.

This was the first time that the U.S. defense manufacturer Lockheed Martin’s company Sikorsky and DARPA demonstrated to the U.S. Army the autonomous Black Hawk helicopter’s capabilities autonomously to safely and reliably perform internal and external operations.

Sikorsky and DARPA have partnered to develop autonomy technology and seek to improve the flight safety and efficiency of rotary and fixed-wing aircraft. Sikorsky’s autonomy system, known as MATRIX™ technology, forms the core of DARPA’s Aircrew Labor In-cockpit Automation System (ALIAS) project.

According to Lockheed Martin’s statement, the demonstration was conducted as part of the U.S. Army’s Project Convergence 2022 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,” the statement highlighted.

The Sikorsky and DARPA team showed how the Black Hawk helicopter with no humans on board can deliver a large quantity of blood product unharmed by flying low and fast above ground level using the terrain to mask its signature; resupply troops with an external load, and re-route mid-flight to evacuate a casualty.

*^{U.S. DARPA autonomous Black Hawk helicopter performing test missions during the U.S. Army’s Project Convergence 2022 experiment. (Image Credit: Lockheed Martin)}*

During the demonstrations, pilots flew and landed the Black Hawk aircraft, then activated the MATRIX system to give full control to the flight computer. When the pilots exited, the helicopter autonomously completed the long-endurance medical resupply and cargo delivery and casualty evacuation mission demonstrations.

While performing the long-endurance medical resupply mission demonstration, the aircraft flew 83 miles while loaded with 400 units of real and simulated blood – totaling 500 pounds. On reaching 40 miles from its initial take-off point, the helicopter descended into a valley as low as 200 feet above ground level at 100 knots.

During the demonstration of combined cargo delivery and casualty evacuation mission, the Black Hawk helicopter lifted off with a 2,600-pound external load attached to a 40-foot sling and flew at 100 knots for 30 minutes toward a designated landing zone.

While in flight, the helicopter was redirected, simulating a scenario neutralizing a threat near the primary landing site. It was also demonstrated that how a ground operator with a secure radio and tablet could 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 and DARPA successfully demonstrate for the first time how an uninhabited Black Hawk helicopter flying autonomously can perform cargo resupply missions and rescue operations. (Image Credit: Lockheed Martin)}

Director of Sikorsky Innovations Igor Cherepinsky said, “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.”

Cherepinsky added that “In addition to increasing flight safety and reliability, MATRIX technology enables survivability in high tempo, high threat 21^st Century Security environments where Black Hawk helicopters operate today, and DEFIANT X^® and RAIDER X^® helicopters could operate in the future. Uncrewed or reduced crewed helicopters could safely perform critical and lifesaving missions day or night in complex terrain and in contested battlespace.”