Contributor - UK

David Donald

Honeywell and Near Earth Autonomy&nbsp;successfully completed the first autonomous flight of a Leonardo AW139 helicopter last month, the partners announced Tuesday.&nbsp;
Conducted in Phoenix, the flight was undertaken in support of the U.S. Marine Corps’ Aerial Logistics Connector (ALC) program, proving the feasibility of deploying autonomous uncrewed aircraft to deliver supplies in contested environments.
ALC aims to develop and implement logistics systems that reduce risk to personnel while accelerating supply operations and increasing capacity. Further testing of the Honeywell/Near Earth Autonomy system will involve automated obstacle avoidance and integration into military logistics workflows.
The Marines first looked into uncrewed resupply helicopters in the late 2000s, resulting in a pair of Kaman K-Max cargo-lift helicopters being converted for optionally piloted operations. After extensive trials in the U.S., the Marines deployed them for evaluation in Afghanistan between 2011 and 2013.

News and issues relating to civil and military unmanned aircraft systems (UAS), unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) and remotely piloted aircraft systems (RPAS) of all kinds and sizes, including those used for intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR), combat (unmanned combat air vehicles, or UCAVs), law enforcement, research and other applications. Of particular focus is the FAA's planned integration of UAS into the U.S. national airspace system.

Honeywell and Near Earth Autonomy Fly Autonomous AW139 Helicopter

Tests illustrate how regular helicopters can be converted for autonomous operations

Last month Honeywell, partnered with system-expert partner Near Earth Autonomy, successfully completed the first autonomous flight of a Leonardo AW139. 

Honeywell Flies Autonomous Helicopter

2024 Corporate Aviation Leadership Summit

Charlotte Bailey

News, issues, personnel, equipment and developments about air traffic management.

News and information on safety procedures and concerns.

Honeywell and partners are working on the Operate Anywhere Ground Control Station 

OperA Team Chases EASA Approval for UAV Ops Management Technology

Hanneke Weitering

News and developments about airplanes, helicopters and unmanned air vehicles used in all varieties of operations, including airlines, military, business, commercial, general aviation and private.

News and issues concerning general aviation, specifically airplanes and helicopters powered by piston and alternative engines (i.e., non-turbine powered aircraft). Subjects include aircraft, engines, personnel, acquisitions, accidents, safety, security and training.

SkyOS flight automation system makes its fixed-wing debut

Skyryse’s SkyOS Takes Flight on Cirrus SR22

News and issues regarding all manner of civil and military rotorcraft and their powerplants, including helicopters, tilt rotors and unmanned air vehicles.

Essential news and analysis on the defense aerospace business. Your trusted source for new and ongoing programs and requirements in military aircraft (manned and unmanned), engines, avionics, weapons and associated systems, including ground-based air defense.

Autonomous U-Hawk replaces the Black Hawk’s cockpit with a cargo door 

Sikorsky Unveils Uncrewed Black Hawk Variant

News and developments about aircraft engines, including turbofan, turboprop, turboshaft and piston.

Major engine manufacturers look to power collaborative combat aircraft

Small Combat Drone Engines Begin Ground Tests

Hybrid-electric cargo drone maker inks $50 million contract with healthcare logistics provider

MightyFly To Launch Medical Drone Deliveries in California

Curt Epstein

Service is expected to begin there in 2027

Joby, Skyports Ink Air Taxi Deal in UAE Emirate

Charles Alcock

Partnership may lead to a Japanese production line for the drone

Kawasaki Will Develop Piston Engine For Black Swan Cargo UAV

News about bills, laws, regulations and other governmental decisions affecting aviation and aerospace. Topics include FAA re-authorizations, taxes on fuel and aviation activities, environmental legislation, ICAO decisions, governmental mediation of labor conflicts and World Trade Organization disputes and decisions.

News and issues relating to business, corporate and private aviation, primarily regarding turbine-engine-powered airplanes and helicopters. Subjects include aircraft, engines, maintenance, operations, personnel, acquisitions, accidents, safety, security, and training.

Paris Air Show 2025

In this article

Leonardo AW139

Honeywell

More In Unmanned Aerial Vehicles