Thu, Nov 02, 2017
Aircraft Developed By Aurora Flight Sciences
The FAA has granted a Special Airworthiness Certificate to the newest optionally-piloted aircraft developed by Aurora Flight Sciences, a UH-1H helicopter. The latest development in the Office of Naval Research's (ONR) Autonomous Aerial Cargo/Utility System (AACUS) program, Aurora has added a complete digital flight control system to create the "Autonomy-enabled UH-1," or AEH-1.
The UH-1, originally developed in the late 1950s and made famous by its role in the Vietnam War, was chosen by Aurora for its latest conversion to a robotic vehicle. The Aurora UH-1H, a later version of the UH-1 built in 1977, was initially certified under FAA Order 8130.2, which covers "inhabited" experimental aircraft such as homebuilt and other developmental aircraft.
The latest certification under FAA Order 8130.34 permits Optionally-Piloted Aircraft (OPA) operation with only a Safety Pilot required to monitor the controls. "The Special Airworthiness Certificate is a significant validation of the program's capabilities by the FAA," said John Langford, Aurora Chairman and CEO. "The OPA technology not only enhances the UH-1H system but will expand the operational capability of the mission in the field."
By focusing on safety and maturity in the digital flight control system, the AEH-1 permits the rapid development and test of emerging rotorcraft autonomy technologies. The aircraft is currently flying as the testbed for Aurora's Tactical Autonomous Aerial Logistics System (TALOS) technology. The UH-1H is the third manned aircraft Aurora has converted to robotic-controlled or OPA operation. Other conversions include a Diamond DA42 and a Cessna C208 Caravan.
(Image provided with Aurora Flight Sciences news release)
More News
Klyde Wonders If The 'New' SouthWest Can 'Out-Spirit' Spirit... FMI: www.klydemorris.com>[...]
From 2012 (YouTube Edition): Extensive Expertise in Backup Solutions Makes MCIA Uniquely Qualified In This Market There's no such thing, in aviation, as TOO much caution... hence t>[...]
Aero Linx: Historic Aircraft Association (HAA) The Historic Aircraft Association (HAA) was founded in 1979 with the aim of furthering the safe flying of historic aircraft in the UK>[...]
Jamming Denotes emissions that do not mimic Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) signals (e.g., GPS and WAAS), but rather interfere with the civil receiver's ability to acquir>[...]
"Respectfully, U.S. and European airlines should not be even contemplating the future purchase of airplanes from Chinese military companies...” Source: US Representative Raja>[...]
Klyde Morris (05.02.25)
See All