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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.

Friday, January 17, 2025 at 04:59 PM ET

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

Key Takeaways:

The U.S. Army has partnered with Skyryse to integrate its SkyOS flight operating system into Black Hawk helicopters.
SkyOS aims to simplify complex helicopter controls into a single joystick and touchscreen, making flying easier and safer.
This collaboration seeks to enhance safety, simplicity, and efficiency across the Army's helicopter fleet.

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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.