AV NEWS: Life-saving Autonomous Helicopter

The U.S. military’s latest autonomous aircraft technology is all about keeping troops safe and saving lives. It could also radically change how they resupply units in combat zones. The helicopter is a Vietnam War-era UH-1 Huey, and it’s able to fly its own missions without a pilot at the controls; the pilot seen in the test flight is only there in case something goes wrong. The helicopter is meant to quickly resupply forces in combat zones, delivering ammunition, water, batteries, and even blood before returning to base. With no need for a pilot or crew, it could eliminate the need for troops to fly or drive supplies through hostile fire or dangerous roadways. It takes minimal input for the Huey to chart its course. A Marine with just 15 minutes of training was able to program the helicopter’s destination into the tablet controller during a demonstration. The aircraft then successfully completed the flight, autonomously selecting its route and landing location, while on-board sensors and software allowed it to detect and avoid obstacles. The project is part of a partnership between the Office of Naval Research and tech company Aurora Flight Systems. And they say the autonomous system isn’t unique to the Huey; it can be installed on any rotary-winged aircraft. Follow AirVūz News for all the latest updates in the drone community!