The Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) recently transitioned to the U.S. Army an autonomous flight system. DARPA transitioned an experimental, fly-by-wire H-60Mx Black Hawk, equipped with the DARPA-funded Sikorsky MATRIX autonomy suite to the Army’s Project Manager for Utility Helicopters for advanced operational testing.
DARPA developed the technology under its Aircrew Labor In-Cockpit Automation System (ALIAS) program. The program was tasked with creating a highly automated system that could be integrated into existing aircraft with the goal of enhancing mission flexibility and safety in complex and contested environments. The program rigorously developed, tested and proved the MATRIX technology.
“The ALIAS program has successfully developed and demonstrated a powerful, flexible automation architecture that is now poised to provide the U.S. Army with a significant operational edge,” Stuart Young, DARPA Tactical Technology Office ALIAS program manager, said. “This transition is a testament to the power of government and industry partnership to advance technology. It will allow the Army to build on a solid foundation of technical-risk reduction, enabling them to explore new warfighting concepts and push the boundaries of what’s possible in aviation.”
The Army Combat Capabilities Development Command now owns the experimental helicopter and will use it as a flying laboratory to mature and expand the technology.