Collaboration between human and automated systems: Shaping the future of manned-unmanned partnerships
Airbus Helicopters is spearheading a significant shift in military aviation with its focus on developing unmanned aerial systems (UAS). The European defence giant is building on its established helicopter platforms, aiming to create autonomous variants that will enhance logistical and operational capabilities while integrating seamlessly with manned assets.
The European Defence Fund's 'Musher' project is a prime example of this strategy. The project aims to create manned-unmanned teaming capabilities for a future European combat air system. The 'Musher' project will design a scalable European manned-unmanned teaming system, allowing helicopters and UAVs from European forces to train together and deliver optimal missions.
Airbus Helicopters' strategy extends beyond the 'Musher' project. The company is actively developing an unmanned version of the H145-based UH-72 Lakota utility helicopter, aiming to support missions like the US Marine Corps’ Aerial Logistics Connector (ALC) programme by 2029. This approach leverages autonomous technologies, including Shield AI's Hivemind autonomy software, enabling these rotorcraft to perform complex tasks such as autonomous takeoff, landing, and navigation without pilot intervention.
The manned-unmanned teaming (MUM-T) concept is key to Airbus Helicopters' vision. Unmanned rotorcraft would autonomously carry out logistics support and other missions, expanding operational reach and safety while working in tandem with manned helicopters. This integration promises enhanced decision-making and rapid execution on the battlefield by combining human oversight with autonomous systems’ capabilities.
Unmanned aerial systems are increasingly important in military and civil operations due to their ability to perform missions in 3D environments with less risk and lower cost than manned assets. Airbus Helicopters is also expanding its UAS capabilities through acquisitions, such as an American company that manufactures the Flexrotor, a 25-kg drone, which complements the VSR700 on the tactical range and opens new opportunities for interoperability with many assets of their current helicopter range.
In addition to the VSR700, Airbus Helicopters has developed the specific 'unmanned' technobricks that can be used for other programs, such as an optionally piloted vehicle (OPV). The development of specific technologies is crucial for enabling the connection of all systems. Collaboration with Airbus Defence and Space is a key part of Airbus Helicopters' UAS strategy, with technologies such as the ground station for the VSR700 prototype and the deck finder system for maritime operations provided by Airbus Defence and Space.
Airbus Helicopters is refining its development roadmap with the goal of proposing concrete interoperability capabilities around 2027. The use of unmanned and manned assets working together is seen as a way to gain a tactical advantage by combining their capabilities and effects. Drones can also be equipped with intelligent swarming capabilities, allowing them to interact with each other, transfer data, analyze it, treat the data, and adapt their mission independently.
Nicolas Delmas, Airbus Helicopters' Executive Vice President of Innovation, emphasizes the need for the development of intelligent collaboration between UAS, helicopters, and fixed-wing aircraft. The connection of systems should be robust, secure, and capable of performing in contested environments.
In 2017, Airbus Helicopters signed a de-risking study with the DGA (Direction Générale de l'Armement, the French defense procurement agency) to study a UAS capable of performing intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) missions in a military maritime environment, on board frigates.
As Airbus Helicopters continues to push the boundaries of unmanned aerial systems, the company is poised to revolutionize military operations with its focus on manned-unmanned teaming, autonomous technologies, and interoperability capabilities.
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