Unmanned Aerial Vehicles
Rotor Technologies' Uncrewed Helicopter Completes Landmark Flight Campaign
Two R220Y helicopters flew autonomously for more than 20 hours
Rotor Technologies' R220Y autonomous helicopter
The R220Y autonomous helicopter is based on the Robinson R22 two-seat helicopter. (Photo: Rotor Technologies)

Rotor Technologies has completed an extensive flight campaign with its experimental R220Y autonomous helicopters. This initiative, according to Rotor, represents the first time a full-scale civilian helicopter has been flown autonomously.

The R220Y, developed from the Robinson R22, underwent extensive modifications. Traditional pilot interfaces have been replaced with Rotor’s advanced automation technology, allowing all flight operations to be conducted without onboard human intervention.