In the next year or so, it will include Matrix features in the Black Hawks it builds for the US Army. While the future of autonomous, urban air taxis has drawn new players and bold plans into the aviation space, Sikorsky has been quietly developing its own solution, putting itself at the head of the helicopter autonomy space. It’s a two-way backup: The helicopter is always ready to take over from the pilot, just as the pilot is always able to take over from the computer. When he lets go again, the computer retakes control. To take over, the pilot simply starts working the controls, and the autonomous system gives way. And ultimately, it could do a lot more than make flying a helicopter safer and easier. Its maker calls it SARA, for Sikorsky Autonomy Research Aircraft.
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It’s the testbed for Sikorsky’s Matrix Technology, a suite of systems to boost helicopter safety by reducing pilot workload to the point where the crew can focus on what they need to do rather than how to do it. This, of course, is no ordinary helicopter. I merely played conductor, occasionally tapping the tablet strapped to my right knee to direct it here or there.
It navigated and executed those turns and banks, all the while scanning its surroundings for trees, power lines, birds, and other aircraft. The blue and white commercial chopper did all the work, from takeoff to touchdown. That would be me.įortunately, I’m not responsible for keeping anybody alive. Still, the flight was impressive for at least one reason: The pilot controlling the 12,000-pound Sikorsky S-76 had never before operated a helicopter. I’ve been on more exciting ferris wheels, with views more inspiring than those of rural Connecticut. We flew to a spot about 10 miles away, did some turns and gentle banks, then came back and landed.
We took off, hovered for a bit, and maneuvered around the airport. As helicopter flights go, this one was especially boring.