Helicopters to Become Optionally-Piloted Under New Partnership

Skyryse, the creator of what is reportedly the world’s first universal operating system for flight — SkyOS™ — has entered into an agreement with the U.S. Army to develop solutions to reduce training time for pilots, among other benefits.

SkyOS aims to increase interoperability between aircraft, and deliver optionally-piloted capability which could be applied to their fleet of 2,400 Black Hawk helicopters, among others.

This collaboration aims to explore and integrate SkyOS to enhance the safety, simplicity, and operational efficiency of aircraft such as the already versatile and reliable Black Hawk for military applications.

Through this Cooperative Research and Development Agreement (CRADA), Skyryse will work alongside Army aviation experts to leverage SkyOS’s highly-automated capabilities – simplified pilot operations, autonomy, enhanced safety features, and capability to operate both with and without pilots – for the unique needs of military missions.

The collaboration aligns with the Army’s strategic focus on modernization and aims to provide pilots with intuitive controls and automated systems that reduce workload, enhance mission effectiveness, and improve overall safety in complex operational environments. 

Under the CRADA, the partnership will also conduct joint testing and validation, ensuring that the new solutions meet the rigorous standards required for Army aviation.

Dr. Mark Groden, CEO of Skyryse, commented, “Skyryse is honored to partner with the U.S. Army to make military helicopters like the Black Hawk simpler and safer. 

“By combining the Army’s operational expertise with Skyryse’s leadership in rotorcraft flight controls and automation, we have a unique opportunity to make flying simple and safe enough that any serviceperson can fly any aircraft. This CRADA underscores our commitment to creating safer solutions for all aviation – both civilian and military.”