Robinson Unveils Family of Self-Flying Helicopters

Manufacturer is integrating autonomy systems on its flagship R44 and R66 models.

Jack Daleo

Friday, March 20, 2026 at 02:00 PM ET

Verified

Edited By:

Travis Tingle

Robinson Unmanned’s R44 Airtruck is an autonomous variant of the company’s flagship helicopter. [Credit: Robinson Unmanned]

Key Takeaways:

Robinson Helicopter has established "Robinson Unmanned" by combining its uncrewed aircraft system (UAS) activities and the acquired Ascent AeroSystems, marking a significant strategic shift towards autonomous vertical flight systems.
The new unit will offer uncrewed variants of its R44 (for heavy-lift cargo and agricultural applications) and R66 (the "Turbinetruck" for defense logistics, featuring Sikorsky's Matrix autonomy system).
Robinson Unmanned will also provide three small coaxial UAS developed by Ascent, with the company's CEO anticipating this autonomous division could eventually surpass its traditional businesses in size.

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Robinson Helicopter has produced conventional rotorcraft for more than half a century. But the company is making autonomous and remotely piloted aircraft a key part of its future.

Robinson this month formally combined its uncrewed aircraft system (UAS) activities and Ascent AeroSystems subsidiary, acquired in 2024, to form Robinson Unmanned—a developer of small drones as well as self-flying helicopters built around its flagship R44 and R66.