Sikorsky’s MATRIX™ Technology program is developing systems intelligence that will give operators the confidence to fly their large rotorcraft safely, reliably and affordably as autonomous or optionally piloted aircraft. The program will also improve operator effectiveness when making decisions for manned aircraft.
MATRIX™ technology combines software and hardware components, enabling autonomous, reliable mission execution in obstacle-rich environments. This creates a safer flying experience overall.
Executes complex missions in low altitude, obstacle-rich environments or in degraded, uncertain conditions
Improves system reliability through multi-level contingency management
Reduces lifecycle cost and operating cost per flight hour
Platform agnostic design supports multiple vehicles enabling mission tailoring
Expanding the Autonomy Portfolio
In May 2019, we flew the S-70 OPV Black Hawk for the first time. For this flight, our Sikorsky team retrofitted a UH-60A Black Hawk helicopter with a technology kit to give it full-authority, fly-by-wire flight controls. We plan to expand the flight envelope in follow-on flight tests during 2019, with the goal of conducting our first fully autonomous flight (with zero pilots) by 2020.
Sikorsky Autonomy Research Aircraft (SARA)
Sikorsky Autonomy Research Aircraft (SARA) utilizes MATRIX™ Technology which enables users of military and commercial helicopters, and vertical take-off and landing (VTOL) aircraft, to safely, reliably and affordably operate as autonomously or optionally piloted aircraft.
DARPA'S ALIAS Program
The Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency's (DARPA) Aircrew Labor In-Cockpit Automation System (ALIAS) program is leveraging advances in autonomy to reduce pilot workload, augment mission performance, and improve aircraft safety and reliability. Together with DARPA, Sikorsky is working to improve and expand the capabilities developed through a tailorable autonomy kit for installation in both fixed wing airplanes and helicopters.
Through the DARPA ALIAS program, Sikorsky is developing systems intelligence that will give operators the confidence to fly aircraft safely, reliably and affordably in optimally piloted modes enabling flight with two, one or zero crew. The program will improve operator decision aiding for manned operations while also enabling unmanned operations.
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Additional Information
Media Contact
Melissa Chadwick
+1 (202) 863-3317
Engineering the Future of Vertical Lift
From the flight of the world's first practical helicopter in 1939, Sikorsky has remained the industry leader through its commitment to innovation, excellence and safety.