Airbus, Shield AI Trial Autonomous H145 Flight

Airbus US Space & Defense has successfully completed its first fully autonomous helicopter test, marking a major step forward in unmanned aviation technology. The demonstration used an H145 helicopter equipped with Shield AI’s advanced Hivemind software, which enabled the aircraft to execute automated takeoff, landing, and complex maneuvers without pilot input.

The test validated key capabilities that will be critical to future unmanned operations, particularly in military logistics and support roles. Airbus highlighted the achievement as a milestone in the development of autonomous flight systems designed to reduce pilot workload and expand mission flexibility in demanding environments.

Shield AI’s Hivemind software is designed to allow aircraft to operate independently, navigating and completing tasks in contested or GPS-denied environments. The successful integration with the H145 provides a foundation for broader applications, including missions where human crews may be at higher risk.

The project is part of ongoing efforts to develop the MQ-72C Lakota Connector, a program aimed at supporting the U.S. Marine Corps with advanced autonomous logistics capabilities. By demonstrating reliable autonomous operation in a rotary-wing platform, Airbus and Shield AI are showcasing the potential for technology that could redefine the role of helicopters in both defense and civilian missions.

As demand for autonomous solutions grows across aviation, this test highlights how industry partnerships are driving innovation. The achievement underscores Airbus’s and Shield AI’s commitment to accelerating the adoption of autonomous systems that can enhance safety, efficiency, and operational reach.

Sources: AirGuide Business airguide.info, bing.com