“What we learned from the H145/S-100 MUM-T tests is that manned-unmanned teaming is absolutely possible, because
we’ve done it,” said Airbus Helicopters H145 Program
Manager Mark Henning. “Our plan now is to refine our MUM-T capabilities and conduct further tests in the future.”
Bell is focused on building autonomous unmanned helicopters in both the civilian and military sectors through its Bell Nexus self-flying air taxi and the unmanned V-247 Vigilant variant of its manned V-280 Valor tiltrotor; all of which are under development.
Pairing the V-247 and V-280 for MUM-T missions is a natural choice. “When you consider the cost of manned assets and the value of helicopter pilots, combining the V-247 and
LEVEL 1 LEVEL 2 LEVEL 3
LEVEL 4 LEVEL 5
V-280 can create real efficiencies,” said Bell VP of Innovation Scott Drennan. “They can also provide strategic and tactical advantages among your enemies, as you’re coming into theater with different types of assets fulfilling different roles separately and together, rather than using one asset that does it all.”
Leonardo’s MUM-T capabilities were proven during a helicopter exercise named Italian Blade 2015, when the company’s optionally piloted SW-4 Solo rotorcraft drone flew joint missions with Leonardo’s manned military helicopters. The company sees its AWHero, a 200 kilogram-class rotary UAS, working with manned platforms on missions such as anti-surface ship/ submarine warfare, military surveillance/interdiction, and close air support. Like Airbus, Leonardo’s MUM-T missions can range from LOI 1 to LOI 5, depending on the needs of their clients.
Indirect receipt/transmission of drone-collected data and metadata to helicopter; drone piloted autonomously or remotely from the ground.
Direct receipt/transmission of drone-collected data and metadata to helicopter; drone piloted autonomously or remotely from the ground.
Manned helicopter controls the drone payload (cameras and sensors); drone piloted autonomously or remotely from the ground.
Manned helicopter controls all drone functions, except takeoff and landing. Manned helicopter controls all drone functions, including takeoff and landing.
Photo by Leonardo
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