Sikorsky relies on AI and automation in manned helicopters: future technologies are already in development

The heads of the American aircraft manufacturer Sikorsky, part of Lockheed Martin, said that artificial intelligence (AI) and automation systems will play an increasingly important role not only in unmanned aerial vehicles, but also in traditional manned helicopters. This announcement marks an important shift in the approach to aircraft engineering, where humans remain in the control center but receive powerful support from autonomous systems.

One of Sikorsky's key achievements in this area is the Matrix technology, which is an autonomous flight control system capable of integrating into existing helicopter models, including the well-known UH-60 Black Hawk. Matrix combines advanced algorithms, sensors and computing modules, allowing the helicopter to perform tasks such as:

- automatic takeoff and landing;  

- navigation in difficult conditions;  

- avoiding obstacles;  

- Real-time route planning;  

- reducing the burden on the crew by partially or fully automating the flight.

Matrix technology is considered as an important step towards the realization of the concept of "flying taxi", as well as as the basis for the creation of hybrid helicopters combining the capabilities of manned and unmanned aircraft. It can be used for both civilian and military purposes, from delivering cargo to hard—to-reach areas to rescue operations and strike missions.

The future of helicopter aviation

According to Sikorsky experts, the introduction of AI into helicopter control is not a replacement for a pilot, but rather an enhancement of his capabilities. In conditions of high threat or difficult weather conditions, automation can improve the safety and accuracy of the mission. Such technologies are especially relevant for the modern battlefield, where the reaction speed and awareness of the crew can decide the outcome of an operation.

In addition, autonomous functions can be used within the framework of the "Loyal Wingman" concept, in which one pilot controls not only his helicopter, but also a number of accompanying UAVs performing reconnaissance or strike missions.

With the development of artificial intelligence and machine learning, such systems will become even more adaptive and intelligent, capable of making decisions in real time and minimizing the risk of human error.

International exercises in Switzerland on joint measurements of radioactivity using helicopters

International exercises organized by the Federal Office of Civil Defense (FOPS) are taking place in Switzerland this week. They are attended by experts from France, Germany, the Czech Republic, Lithuania and Switzerland itself. The main objective of the exercise is to develop joint methods for rapid and effective measurement of radioactivity in large areas using helicopters.

The use of helicopters makes it possible to quickly survey vast areas, which is especially important in case of emergencies related to radioactive contamination. The joint efforts of international teams contribute to the exchange of experience, professional development and improved coordination in responding to potential radiation threats.

Israeli Defense Ministry buys protection systems for Apache and Black Hawk helicopters

 The Israeli Defense Ministry announced on Monday that it will purchase protection systems for its fleet of Apache and Black Hawk helicopters from the Israeli company Elbit Systems for the sum of 55 million dollars."

As part of the project, Israeli Air Force helicopters will be equipped with innovative technologies designed to provide maximum protection in difficult combat situations, including threat detection, suppression and neutralization systems, as well as guided missile deflection systems.", — The ministry noted, adding that the deal "is part of a series of contracts for the purchase and build-up of forces that IMOD is implementing under the leadership of the ministry's Director General, Major General (retired) Amir Baram."

Apache

New Zealand to supply Ukraine with SA200 drones

 The New Zealand company Syos Aerospace has signed a contract with the British government for the supply of unmanned systems for the armed forces of Ukraine in the amount of about 30 million pounds (approximately 40 million US dollars).

The SA200's rotor head design bears a strong resemblance to Composite-FX's XE-290 Mosquito piston helicopter, which has already been converted into an unmanned aerial vehicle. However, in the SA200, the standard tail rotor has been replaced by two electric motors.

The technical details of the supplied drones have not been officially disclosed, but the main product of Syos is the SA200 multifunctional unmanned helicopter. This device is capable of carrying a payload of up to 200 kg and covering a distance of up to 230 km, with a flight time of about two hours. 

When equipped with an additional fuel tank, the SA200 can perform reconnaissance and electronic warfare missions with a payload of 35 kg at a range of up to 925 km, with a flight duration of over 8 hours. The helicopter is specially designed for combat conditions and is equipped with additional internal systems, protection against loss of communication and encryption of transmitted data.

SA200

Black Hawk helicopters can now fly independently

Black Hawk helicopters can now fly independently.Black Hawk helicopters can now fly without pilots using the new Matrix artificial intelligence technology.                         

The aviation era is entering a new phase marked by breakthroughs in artificial intelligence and autonomy. One of the most significant recent achievements has been the demonstration of the ability of the legendary American UH-60 Black Hawk helicopters to fly without pilots on board. This is not just another step in the development of unmanned systems.; This is a transformation of one of the most recognizable and widely used rotorcraft in the world, opening up completely new horizons for military and potentially civilian operations. At the heart of this revolution is an advanced artificial intelligence technology known as Matrix, developed by Sikorsky, a subsidiary of Lockheed Martin.The UH-60 Black Hawk helicopter is itself an icon of military aviation. Being in service with the US Army and many other countries since the late 1970s, it has proven itself to be an incredibly reliable, versatile and hardy machine. The Black Hawks have participated in countless operations around the world, performing a wide range of tasks, from transporting troops and supplies to medical evacuation, search and rescue missions, and fire support. Its rugged design, excellent flight characteristics, and ability to operate in the harshest environments have made it an ideal platform for integrating advanced autonomous systems. Choosing Black Hawk for such tests highlights the desire to modernize the existing, time-tested fleet of vehicles, rather than create completely new platforms from scratch, which significantly accelerates and reduces the cost of innovation.A number of factors are driving the development of autonomous capabilities for helicopters like the Black Hawk. First of all, it is the desire to improve flight safety and reduce risks for the crews. Flying in difficult weather conditions, at night, in conditions of poor visibility (dust, smoke, fog) or in active combat zones is fraught with great danger for pilots. An autonomous system capable of taking over control or even completely completing a mission without a human on board can dramatically change the situation, allowing you to perform tasks that were previously considered too risky. In addition, automation reduces the burden on pilots during long or routine flights, allowing them to focus on more important aspects of the mission, such as tactical planning or weapon system management. This also opens up the possibility of reducing the number of crew, which can be crucial in the face of a shortage of qualified pilots.Sikorsky's Matrix technology is not just an advanced autopilot, but a full-fledged artificial intelligence system designed for flight control. It integrates a set of hardware and software tools. The hardware includes a variety of sensors (lidars, visible and infrared cameras, radars, inertial navigation systems, GPS) and powerful on-board computers. The software is complex algorithms that process data from sensors in real time, create a detailed three–dimensional picture of the environment, plot a safe flight route, taking into account the terrain, obstacles and dynamically changing conditions, and generate commands for helicopter control systems. Matrix is designed as an "Optionally Piloted Vehicle" (OPV) system. This means that the helicopter can fly both under pilot control and completely autonomously, or in a mixed mode when the AI helps the crew. Pilots can take control at any time or transfer it to the system. This flexibility is a key advantage, allowing you to adapt the automation level to your specific mission and conditions.              

The development and testing of autonomous Black Hawks has been underway for several years, often in collaboration with the US Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA), in particular, under the ALIAS (Aircrew Laboratory In-System Automation System) program.                     

ALIAS's goal was to create a universal automation suite that could be relatively easily integrated into various existing aircraft, both airplanes and helicopters, to reduce crew workload and improve safety. Sikorsky used a specially modified S-70 helicopter (the civilian version of the Black Hawk), known as the SARA (Sikorsky Autonomy Research Aircraft), as a flying laboratory for testing Matrix algorithms. These efforts culminated in historic flights, when the UH-60 Black Hawk, equipped with the Matrix system, took to the air for the first time and performed a series of maneuvers without a single person on board. These demonstration flights included autonomous takeoff, flight along a preset route, flying around simulated obstacles, selecting and landing at an unplanned point, as well as autonomous landing. The capabilities of performing typical missions, such as cargo delivery on an external sling and even flight simulation in a degraded visual environment where human vision would be severely limited, were demonstrated. The system has shown the ability to analyze the surrounding space, identify safe landing zones and perform complex maneuvers with high accuracy comparable to the actions of an experienced pilot.The operating principle of Matrix is based on merging data from multiple sensors. Lidars create an accurate map of terrain and obstacles, cameras provide visual recognition of objects, radars help in conditions of poor visibility, and inertial and satellite systems are responsible for navigation. Artificial intelligence analyzes all this information, predicts possible developments (for example, the appearance of other aircraft) and makes control decisions – changes course, altitude, speed, controls the pitch of the propellers. The system is capable of not only following a set flight plan, but also dynamically responding to unforeseen circumstances, such as a sudden obstacle or a change in weather conditions, independently choosing the safest and most effective way to continue the mission.

The introduction of such technologies opens up completely new tactical opportunities for the military. Autonomous Black Hawks can be used to supply advanced units in dangerous areas without risking the crews. They can carry out reconnaissance missions or electronic warfare missions deep behind enemy lines. Potentially, such helicopters can be used for medical evacuation of the wounded from the battlefield, where sending a manned vehicle would be suicidal. The ability to work around the clock without restrictions related to pilot fatigue significantly increases operational readiness. In the future, one operator on the ground will be able to control several autonomous helicopters acting as a single "swarm" to perform complex coordinated tasks. This may lead to fundamental changes in the structure of army aviation and tactics of its use.Despite impressive successes, the path to widespread adoption of fully autonomous helicopters has not yet been completed. There are a number of difficult tasks to be solved. It is necessary to develop and approve strict certification procedures for such systems, ensuring their reliability and safety at a level not inferior to manned aviation. Cybersecurity is a critical issue – protecting management systems from hacking or hostile interference. Further improvement of AI algorithms is required, especially in terms of decision-making in non-standard, unforeseen situations that are difficult to model in advance. The psychological aspect is equally important – the formation of trust in autonomous systems among both the military themselves and society as a whole. It is necessary to define the ethical framework for the use of such technologies, especially if we are talking about armed options. The integration of autonomous vehicles into the existing air traffic control system and interaction with manned vehicles will also require new protocols and standards.                

Nevertheless, the first successful Black Hawk flights without pilots clearly show the direction of development of military (and possibly civilian) helicopter aviation. Matrix technology and similar systems promise to make flying safer, more efficient, and more accessible for the most demanding and dangerous tasks, marking a new era in the history of rotorcraft. Combining the time-tested Black Hawk platform with advanced artificial intelligence creates a synergy that will shape the future of vertical takeoff and landing for decades to come.

Chrysanthemum-S at the Army-2024 Forum

 

Chrysanthemum-S

The 9P157-2 combat vehicle of the 9K123-1 Chrysanthemum-S anti-tank missile system at the Army-2024 forum.

The Chrysanthemum self-propelled anti-tank complex is capable of hitting with high efficiency day and night, in any weather conditions and in any combat situation at a range of up to 6000 m all modern and promising tanks equipped with dynamic protection, any types of defensive structures, manpower, low-tonnage ships and boats, helicopters and low-speed, low-flying aircraft. 

▪️The complex includes: 

- combat vehicle 9P157-2, 

- A 9M123M missile with a cumulative tandem warhead, 

- A 9M123MF rocket with a high-explosive warhead, 

- means of technical control of combat vehicles and missiles, 

- educational and training facilities. 

The combat vehicle has two missile control channels: in automatic mode using radar guidance and semi - automatic mode with guided missiles in a laser beam . 

To defeat targets in both control channels, a single missile with two types of warhead is used: with a tandem cumulative warhead (with armor penetration up to 1200 mm behind dynamic protection) and a powerful high-explosive warhead.

AH-64 Apache helicopters with Israeli Spike missiles: a new threat in the skies of Iraq

 

AH-64 Apache helicopters with Israeli Spike-NLOS missiles

The US Army has implemented a significant improvement in its arsenal by equipping AH-64 Apache helicopters with Israeli Spike-NLOS missiles. This innovation significantly increases the combat capabilities of helicopters and makes them even more formidable weapons on the battlefield.

Advantages of Spike-NLOS rockets

Spike-NLOS missiles, developed by the Israeli company Rafael Advanced Defense Systems, have a number of unique characteristics that make them an ideal choice for equipping Apache helicopters.:

1. High precision:

   - Spike-NLOS missiles are known for their high accuracy, which allows them to hit targets with minimal collateral damage. This is especially important in urban warfare, where civilian casualties must be avoided.

2. Long range:

   - Spike-NLOS are capable of hitting targets at much greater distances compared to traditional weapons. This gives Apache helicopters the opportunity to attack the enemy while remaining out of range of its air defenses.

3. Flexibility of application:

   - The missiles can be used to hit both ground and air targets, making them a versatile weapon in the Apache helicopter arsenal.

The equipping of AH-64 Apache helicopters with Spike-NLOS missiles has already begun in Iraq. This decision was made in response to the changing situation in the region and the need to increase the combat capability of American troops. The new missiles allow Apache helicopters to more effectively carry out tasks to support ground operations and destroy enemy fortified positions.

The introduction of Spike-NLOS missiles on AH-64 Apache helicopters is an important step in modernizing the U.S. Army's arsenal. This innovation not only enhances the combat capabilities of helicopters, but also demonstrates the U.S. willingness to adapt to new challenges and threats. In the future, similar improvements can be expected to be implemented on other platforms, further strengthening the US position on the global stage.

Equipping AH-64 Apache helicopters with Israeli Spike-NLOS missiles is a significant step forward in the development of the combat capabilities of the US Army. This innovation allows helicopters to perform their tasks more efficiently and makes them even more formidable weapons on the battlefield. Given the unstable situation in Iraq and other regions of the world, such improvements play a key role in ensuring the security and protection of US interests.

American Black Hawk Helicopters to Receive Smart Upgrade with Universal Flight System

American Black Hawk helicopters will receive a smart version with the world's first universal flight system. The partnership is in line with the army's strategic focus on modernization and aims to provide pilots with intuitive controls and automated systems. The California-based company has teamed up with the U.S. Army to develop solutions that can reduce pilot training time and enhance the autonomy of Black Hawk helicopters. Skyryse, the creator of the world's first universal flight operating system (SkyOS), has signed an agreement with the U.S. Army. The agreement also aims to develop solutions that can enhance aircraft compatibility and provide optional manned capabilities that can be applied to a military fleet of 2,400 Black Hawk helicopters, among others.