Charles Alcock is managing editor of the AIN Media Group, having rejoined the company in 2019. He has been an aviation journalist since 1986, and previously worked for AIN from 1990 to 2017, most recently as editor-in-chief. His main focus is on covering new aviation technology and business models, as well as international news.
Having been raised in the London area, Alcock studied at the University of Manchester in the UK and earned an honors degree in Politics and Modern History. He speaks English and French, and some German.

Managing Editor

Charles Alcock

Robinson Helicopter is working with automated flight controls specialist Skyryse to integrate its SkyOS autonomy system into an R66 rotorcraft to convert it into an uncrewed air system (UAS) for defense applications. Skyryse announced the collaboration on Wednesday, explaining that it will work with Robinson's new Unmanned UAS subsidiary.
The partners are aiming to develop what the U.S. military categorizes as a Group 4 UAS, which typically weighs over 1,320 pounds and operates up to 18,000 feet, and are intended to operate at theater or joint task force level. Intended applications for the autonomous helicopter could include a collaborative combat aircraft role, or as a platform for launching small expendable drones, crewed-uncrewed teaming, and intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance.
Robinson and Skyryse are located less than 30 miles from each other in Southern California. The partners did not say when they intend to start flying a prototype of the uncrewed R66 or when they are targeting service entry for the large drone.
According to Skyryse, it has seen strong interest in what it calls "software-defined flight and autonomous capabilities" from multiple parties in the defense sector. In January, the U.S. Army contracted the company to explore the potential for its <a href="https://www.ainonline.com/aviation-news/futureflight/2025-01-16/us-army-evaluates-optionally-piloted-flight-deck-helicopters">Sikorsky Black Hawk helicopters</a> to be optionally-piloted through a Cooperative Research and Development Agreement.
“Defense agencies need autonomous aircraft that are reliable, affordable and available now, not years from now,” said Skyryse founder and CEO Mark Groden. “Robinson gives us the production infrastructure to deliver at scale and at a cost point that meets real-world, time-critical needs. This partnership accelerates our ability to put proven, SkyOS-powered autonomous aircraft into the hands of defense operators.”
<h2>Autonomy or Remote Piloting</h2>
The SkyOS platform has been designed to support both fully autonomous missions and others that can be remotely piloted from the ground. "The least automated option we’d offer is SkyOS on the ground where a user can fly the aircraft from the SkyOS simplified aircraft controls on the ground instead of in the cockpit," a Skyryse spokesperson explained to AIN. "This is significantly more autonomous than any remotely operated drone. SkyOS offers higher levels of autonomy as well and we’ll share more in the future."
Powered by a Rolls-Royce RR300 turboshaft engine, the R66 helicopter has a payload of around 900 pounds and a range of 260 nm. Current versions of the five-seat aircraft feature Garmin avionics and autopilot systems.
Skyryse was founded in 2016 and has raised more than $605 million to develop its universal <a href="https://www.ainonline.com/aviation-news/futureflight/2025-10-14/skyryses-skyos-takes-flight-cirrus-sr22">flight operations system</a>, which it has previously tested on R22 and R44 rotorcraft, logging several thousand hours. Robinson launched its <a href="https://www.ainonline.com/aviation-news/business-aviation/2026-03-10/unmanned-could-be-biggest-robinson-business-unit">Uncrewed business unit</a> at the Verticon show in March 2026.
“By integrating SkyOS into Robinson’s production ecosystem, we’re helping bring advanced autonomy to a proven aircraft platform while creating a scalable pathway for future operational capabilities,” commented Robinson Helicopter president and CEO David Smith.

News and developments about everything that goes into the cabin of an aircraft, from floor coverings to headliners, with a special emphasis on in-flight entertainment, communications and other electronics for passengers. If it is in the cabin of an aircraft, it’s covered here.

Skyryse Teams With Robinson to Develop Uncrewed R66 Helicopter

The SkyOS autonomous operating system will be integrated with the single-engine rotorcraft

Skyryse and Robinson say they can adapt an R66 helicopter to operate autonomously meeting Pentagon requirements for new Group 4 uncrewed air systems.

Skyryse and Robinson Develop Uncrewed R66 Helicopter

2024 Corporate Aviation Leadership Summit

Matt Thurber

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.

Flight-tracking service is available for display on passengers' devices

FlightPath3D and Gogo Extend Bizav Partnership

News and issues relating to the aerospace industry that are related to the science, engineering and business of flight in space involving civil, industrial and military applications, and similar topics related to flight in the atmosphere of the Earth that are not covered more directly by other AINonline subject channels. In other words, both astronautical and aeronautical subjects, except for those aeronautical topics that are specifically covered elsewhere on this website.

The German company is taking a new approach to aerospace display technology.

Zeiss Microoptics Brings New Display Tech to Aircraft Cabin, Cockpit

New developments and products in avionics, specifically about aircraft electronics in the cockpit.

ProSight technology is being demonstrated at the Farnborough Airshow

Zeiss Debuts New Approach to Cockpit and Cabin Displays 

Expands company’s offerings for high-speed, global connectivity

Pro Star Delivers G280 Gogo Galileo Satcom Installation

New service plans distinguish between a single area and global coverage

Starlink Doubles Aviation Prices, Adds Region Boundaries

Amy Wilder

News and issues about aviation maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO), covering all segments of the aviation industry; and modifications for aircraft and engines. Subjects include product support of aircraft, engines and avionics, MRO company mergers, acquisitions, announcements and personnel, Airworthiness Directives, Supplemental Type Certificate approvals and other topics.

More In Cabin Interior and Electronics

FlightPath3D and Gogo Extend Bizav Partnership

Flight-tracking service is available for display on passengers' devices

Zeiss Microoptics Brings New Display Tech to Aircraft Cabin, Cockpit

The German company is taking a new approach to aerospace display technology.

Zeiss Debuts New Approach to Cockpit and Cabin Displays

ProSight technology is being demonstrated at the Farnborough Airshow

Pro Star Delivers G280 Gogo Galileo Satcom Installation

Expands company’s offerings for high-speed, global connectivity

Starlink Doubles Aviation Prices, Adds Region Boundaries

New service plans distinguish between a single area and global coverage

Jet Access Maintenance Earns Starlink Dealer Status

Services span three locations in Indianapolis, Nashville, and West Palm Beach

Gogo Galileo Now Available for Gulfstream G650/G650ER

HDX antenna installed under the tail-mounted radome

Gogo Galileo Satcom Now Factory Option on Pilatus PC-24

System is FAA- and EASA-certified

AIN Products

SUBSCRIPTIONS

RESOURCES

ABOUT AIN