FutureFlight
Bell Trials with NASA Move APT Autonomous Cargo Vehicle Toward Commercialization
Bell completed a trial of its APT uncrewed cargo platform with ground-based radar to test its capabilities in complex airspace and operating-beyond-visual-line-of-sight missions.
Bell Autonomous Pod Transport flying near Alliance Airport in Texas (Photo: Bell)
Bell's Autonomous Pod Transport is ready to transition to certification and commercialization after completing a series of trials, including a recent demonstration with NASA to test its capabilities in complex airspace. (Photo: Bell)

Taking a step toward commercializing its Autonomous Pod Transport (APT) cargo vehicle, Bell recently completed a successful demonstration of the uncrewed eVTOL aircraft with the use of ground-based detect-and-avoid (DAA) sensors as part of a NASA Systems Integration and Operationalization (SIO) project.

Flight trials conducted in December showed the APT’s ability to integrate with ground radar systems, a key capability for operation in airspace traffic, Bell said, calling this a critical component for advanced air mobility vehicles.