Sikorsky tests remote flight of helicopter

Sikorsky, a Lockheed Martin company, last month flight tested its Black Hawk helicopter with full-authority, fly-by-wire flight controls.

The technology completely removes mechanical flight controls from the aircraft. Its development is part of the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency’s Aircrew Labor In-Cockpit Automation System program.

The goal is to enable both unmanned and reduced-crew operations and to improve operator decision making for manned operations.

Sikorsky is developing technology that will give pilots the confidence to fly aircraft safely, reliably and affordably in optimally piloted modes enabling flights with crews of zero, one or two people, the company said.

“This technology brings a whole new dimension of safety, reliability, and capability to existing and future helicopters and to those who depend on them to complete their missions,” Chris Van Buiten, Sikorsky Innovations vice president, said. “We’re excited to be transforming a once mechanically controlled aircraft into one with fly-by-wire controls. This flight demonstrates the next step in making optionally piloted – and optimally piloted – aircraft, a reality.”

Fully autonomous flights are planned next year.

Sikorsky’s MATRIX Technology has conducted more than 300 hours of autonomous flight since 2013 on a Sikorsky Autonomy Research Aircraft.

Phase one MATRIX Technology will be included on Sikorsky’s S-92 helicopter fleet.