Autonomous helicopters in action

Some interesting videos coming out from the Autonomous Aerial Cargo/Utility Program(AACUS). Testing at Quantico in Virginia showed that the autonomous automatic landing system works. Testing included the helicopter landing itself, as well as wave offs by the operators, and the helicopter waving off the landing on its own. Each helicopter flew a programmed route, avoiding no fly areas, as well as identifying pop-up threats and identifying them to the operator. When the helicopter chooses to wave off, it chooses other safe landing areas and displays options on the monitor held by the operator, and the operator chooses which area it will land in.

Aurora Flight Sciences is using an unmanned Boeing MH-6 Little Bird, while Lockheed Martin is using an unmanned Kaman K-Max.

Meanwhile, SIkorsky is developing their Matrix Technology, using their Sikorsky Autonomous Research Aircraft (SARA). SARA is a modified S-76, with full authority fly-by-wire controls, as well as a multi-sensor, muti-spectrum "perception system". They have flown it "open loop" since the start of the year (man in the cockpit, but not flying), and have recently gotten their "optionally manned" certificate from the FAA.

Aurora Flight Sciences:



Lockheed Martin:



Sikorsky SARA:

Closer Look at K-MAX Unmanned Remote Control Helicopter
www.liveleak.com...

So what is the point of these really in your opinion?

Rescue helicopter? I can see that in a combat zone. Mountain rescue or open sea rescue, real pilot please.

It is a really cool full scale remote control helicopter.

a reply to: tinner07

Combat zone. Launch and forget carrying cargo. You program to fly to FOB A, then to FOB D, then back to FOB C, then on to FOB B carrying a cargo load. It flies on its own, lands, drops off whatever cargo, then goes on to the next one. Frees up pilots from having to fly them all that way, at fairly slow speeds.

Would these make easy targets for an enemy ? Flight a continuous flight path and not evading the fire the way a pilot may do

a reply to: ThePeaceMaker

as well as identifying pop-up threats

They'll be able to see threats on the ground and identify them, and route around them.

a reply to: Zaphod58 I still like the idea of the pilot using their brains and training to avoid certain situations. For example if it's coming into a hover a pilot may see out the corner of his eye someone with an RPG.

a reply to: ThePeaceMaker

That's where ground security comes into play.

Combat it does make sense. Just because I read the book and watched the movie Black Hawk down doesnt make me qualified.

A one way chopper full of ammo and first aid would be the cats ass i reckon.two way chopper even better

a reply to: tinner07

It's a lot better to lose an unmanned helicopter than a crew of four, or more along with the helicopter.

a reply to: Zaphod58

I agree. brought up the black hawk down movie thinking about the guy that said can't bring anymore, too hot. or something like that.
What happened to the soldiers as I read in the book should never happen again. (blackhawk down). But it did in Benghazi.

I think we have the best weapons in the world, just need better people aiming them

originally posted by: Zaphod58
a reply to: tinner07

It's a lot better to lose an unmanned helicopter than a crew of four, or more along with the helicopter.

Now that I can agree with