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Advanced / Transformational Technology

DARPA, Sikorsky Conduct First Autonomous Black Hawk Flights With No Safety Pilots Onboard

By Matthew Beinart

Wednesday, February 9th, 2022

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DARPA, Sikorsky Conduct First Autonomous Black Hawk Flights With No Safety Pilots Onboard

Sikorsky UH-60A Blackhawk OPV, N600PV (79-23298) during its first unmanned flight at on Saturday, February 5th, 2022. Photo: DARPA.

DARPA and Lockheed Martin’s [LMT] Sikorsky announced Tuesday they have completed the first ever completely unmanned, autonomous flight with a UH-60 Black Hawk helicopter. The UH-60A flew with no safety pilots onboard during a pair of recent demonstrations as part of DARPA’s Aircrew Labor In-Cockpit Automation System (ALIAS) program, which the Army has expressed interest in potentially leveraging the technology for its enduring fleet. “Sikorsky’s advancements in flight automation and autonomy will be game-changers for Army aviators and ground commanders,…

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