The US Marine Corps will test Sikorsky’s MATRIX flight autonomy system installed on its UH-60 Black Hawk helicopters next year.
MATRIX advanced flight capabilities enable assisted handling for two-pilot operations. It acts as a virtual co-pilot for single-pilot missions and executes fully autonomous flights without pilots whether operating from navy ships or from expeditionary bases on land.
Marines will interact with the aircraft using a tablet, which allows personnel to adjust mission parameters before and after the aircraft takes off.
“Aircraft with MATRIX autonomy can safely and reliably perform a variety of complex missions, including internal and external cargo transport with no one on board,” said Rich Benton, Sikorsky vice president and general manager.
“With the Marine Corps, we will explore how an autonomy-based fleet of uncrewed aerial systems, rotary and fixed wing aircraft can sustain the expeditionary force with precision resupply during distributed, high-tempo operations.”
No Crew Onboard
The system is part of DARPA’s ALIAS (Aircrew Labor In-cockpit Automation System) program, developed to enhance safety on crewed helicopters.
Previous demonstrations in 2022 focused on simulated medical resupply missions.
During drills, the MATRIX-equipped aircraft operated autonomously carrying 14 boxes with 400 units of real and simulated blood weighing 500 pounds (226 kilograms).
The mission covered 83 miles (133 kilometers) in a 50-minute flight, navigating valley terrain and descending to 200 feet (61 meters) above ground level to reduce its visibility, while maintaining an airspeed of 100 knots (115 miles/185 kilometers per hour).
