Black Hawk helicopter independently completed two missions
According to a press release published by Lockheed Martin, the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) successfully flew a Black Hawk helicopter autonomously during two missions.
The helicopter’s offline software was developed by Lockheed Martin’s Sikorsky. The helicopter was able to successfully complete cargo delivery missions safely and reliably, as well as conduct a rescue operation without a pilot on board.
The US Army’s Project Convergence 2022 (PC22) flight on October 12, 14, and 18 shows how current and future utility helicopters will one day be able to perform complex missions with a reduced crew or in full autonomous mode. This will give unit commanders and aviators considerable freedom in how and when to use helicopters and pilots, especially in conditions of limited visibility or difficult weather conditions.
