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

Charles Alcock

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

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.

Business aviation group is preparing a response to FAA proposals 

NBAA Surveys Members on Drones for BVLOS Consultation

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.

SiCore batteries now shipping from an expanded pilot line in Fremont, California

Amprius Boosts U.S. Battery Production as Drone Market Surges

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.

Self-piloting Caravan aircraft joins Resolute Force Pacific exercise

Joby Demonstrates Autonomous Flight in Pacific Defense Exercise

Fully automated Cessna 208B Grand Caravan will be deployed overseas

U.S. Air Force Buys Autonomous Freighter from Reliable Robotics

Kargo II triples the payload capacity of the original Kargo UAV

Piasecki Unveils Upgraded Kargo UAV for Autonomous Logistics

Acquisitions build on military aircraft joint venture with Anduril 

Archer Boosts Defense Capability with Overair IP and Composites Facility

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

Paris Air Show 2025

In this article

Leonardo AW139

Honeywell

More In Unmanned Aerial Vehicles