Skyryse Ramps Up Automated Flight Tests with Robinson R66 Helicopter
Skyryse says it is now conducting daily flights with its R66 testbed, which includes production-representative versions of the FlightOS flight control system as well as the sensor suite that provide real-time situational awareness.
Flight automation specialist Skyryse has kicked off a full flight test campaign with its FlightOS highly-automated flight control system, which the company says could improve safety and reduce pilot workload for a variety of aircraft, including helicopters, fixed-wing aircraft, and eVTOL air taxis.
The California-based start-up has been extensively testing its FlightOS system in a Robinson R44 light helicopter since 2018. It has also installed the highly-automated flight deck on the larger Robinson R66 helicopter and flew that testbed for the first time last year. Now the company has launched a full flight test campaign using the R66, the first aircraft for which it plans to obtain a supplemental type certificate (STC) from the FAA.
