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Army Looks to Test Optionally Piloted Black Hawks

Skyryse, developer of the SkyOS operating system for flight, will work with the military to equip the utility helicopters with automated systems.

Black Hawk helicopter Skyryse automated flight system
A digital rendering depicts the cockpit of a U.S. Army Black Hawk helicopter equipped with Skyryse’s SkyOS system. [Courtesy: Skyryse]
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Key Takeaways:

  • The U.S. Army is partnering with Skyryse to explore integrating its SkyOS flight operating system into Black Hawk helicopters for higher degrees of automation.
  • SkyOS simplifies complex aircraft controls to a single joystick and touchscreen, aiming to make flying safer and easier, potentially making piloting optional for service members.
  • The collaboration will assess how this fly-by-wire technology enhances the safety, simplicity, and efficiency of the Army's fleet of helicopters.
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For U.S. Army Black Hawk helicopter pilots, piloting may one day be optional.

Under a Cooperative Research and Development Agreement (CRADA) announced Tuesday, Army aviation experts will work with engineers from Skyryse, developer of the SkyOS flight operating system, to see how pilots might benefit from higher degrees of automation.

Jack Daleo

Jack is a staff writer covering advanced air mobility, including everything from drones to unmanned aircraft systems to space travel—and a whole lot more. He spent close to two years reporting on drone delivery for FreightWaves, covering the biggest news and developments in the space and connecting with industry executives and experts. Jack is also a basketball aficionado, a frequent traveler and a lover of all things logistics.

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