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Airbus recently conducted the fourth test flight of the autonomous H145 helicopter it is developing for the U.S. Marine Corps, and for the first time integrated autonomy and edge computing from partner companies.
Airbus is working on what it calls the MQ-72C, a UH-72 Lakota that is modified for autonomous missions. The company has partnered with L3Harris for systems integration, Parry Labs for ground control and edge computing and Shield AI for its Hivemind autonomy software.
The recent test at Grand Prairie, Texas, was the first time all of the companies were integrated for a flight.
“Sometimes it is the integration piece that gives you the most challenges on programs, and this is a real confidence-building measure,” says Rob Geckle, chairman and CEO of Airbus U.S. Space & Defense.
During the flight test, the helicopter autonomously avoided obstacles as big as an SUV and as small as a Pelican case, he says. For future tests, the team is refining the capability to be able to avoid small rocks and uneven surfaces, Geckle says. There are tests planned throughout the rest of the year as Airbus targets a production-ready capability as early as 2028.
Airbus is developing the MQ-72C Lakota Connector for the U.S. Marine Corps Aerial Logistics Connector requirement through a Middle Tier of Acquisition prototyping process. The tests are self-funded, with U.S. Naval Air Systems Command providing funding for key milestones.
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