Hanga Talk
earlier this year. For the past year, Sikorsky has been aggressively advancing helicopter autonomous fl ight with its Matrix Technolo- gy program. The Matrix test aircraft, SARA, has conducted continuous fl ight testing to increase capabilities, adding advanced per- ception fl ights to its latest phase expansion.
Vector Aerospace and Bond Australia Continue Support of Off shore Market
a system loss rate of one per 100,000 fl ight hours. “The autonomous BLACK HAWK will pro-
Sikorsky Aircraft to Develop Autonomous BLACK HAWK For Cargo Missions
Sikorsky Aircraft recently announced
from the Association of Unmanned Vehicle Systems International (AUVSI) conference, that it will develop its fi rst product to feature Matrix™ Technology, by converting a retired UH-60A BLACK HAWK helicopter into an optionally piloted variant capable of a wide spectrum of missions.
With the autonomous BLACK HAWK, Sikorsky plans to build on the success of its Matrix Technology and Manned/Unmanned Resupply Aerial Lifter (MURAL) autonomy programs to deliver a new level of mission fl exibility to combat and logistic planners. The product will integrate autonomy and advanced fl eet management technology with refurbishment experience to provide a cost-eff ective, dependable, and sustainable system.
The autonomous BLACK HAWK heli-
copter will off er the fl exibility of internal and external cargo capability, the strength to lift up to 9,000 pounds, and the productivity of high cruise speeds. The design is targeting
vide aff ordable, reliable, high-speed resupply to the warfi ghter in the harshest conditions at a cost-per-ton mile that competes with ground convoys,” said Mark Miller, vice pres- ident of Research & Engineering. Design of a prototype system has been underway for more than a year and induction of the fi rst BLACK HAWK helicopter will begin later this month. Sikorsky will conduct a series of technology maturation tests during the build period using the Sikorsky Autonomy Research Aircraft (SARA), which is based on an S-76®
commercial helicopter.
“While today we are announcing the cre- ation of a proof-of-concept aircraft, Sikorsky is already prepared to ramp up system conversions per year as demand requires,” said Samir Mehta, Sikorsky’s president of Defense Systems & Services. “We are con- sidering potential development partners and look forward to working with the Department of Defense and other customers to mature this concept and its associated operations.”
In collaboration with the Army, Sikorsky successfully demonstrated the ability of a UH-60M Upgrade Optionally Piloted BLACK HAWK helicopter to conduct autonomous fl ight and autonomous cargo resupply demonstrations through its MURAL Program
Vector Financial Services, the leasing
division of Vector Aerospace Corporation, a global independent provider of aviation maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) service, is pleased to announce the exten- sion of leasing and support agreements for two Vector-owned AS332L helicopters with Bond Helicopters Australia (Bond).
“The Vector team understands the lev- el of support our operations need and are committed to delivering the quality of service we demand,” states John Boag, managing director of Bond Helicopters Australia. “We have been working with Vector on MRO activities for years and are pleased to extend this to the leasing program.”
The Vector leasing program, combined with its full support package, is customized to support Bond’s specifi c requirements in the Australian off shore market.
“Vector is excited to expand its partnership with Bond and the Avincis Group in the continued support of their operations. The Vector Super Puma AS332L aircraft have already been supporting Bond in their Australian operations and we are delighted to continue this relationship,” states Balkiz Sar- ihan, VP of business development & strategy at Vector Aerospace Corporation. “Bond’s outstanding reputation and commitment to service delivery are evident in the quality of
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