Full-scale Helicopter Logistics, Minus the Pilots: Near Earth Autonomy is Enabling Autonomy

In collaboration with industry leaders Leonardo and Honeywell, Near Earth will showcase advanced autonomy on the proven Leonardo AW139 helicopter platform to provide logistical support during expeditionary operations in contested environments.

Pennsylvania-based Near Earth Autonomy has been selected by NAVAIR to lead one of the teams demonstrating optimized logistics using rotorcraft for the U.S. Marine Corps’ Aerial Logistics Connector (ALC) program through an Other Transaction Agreement (OTA) under the Naval Aviation Systems Consortium (NASC). 

For the ALC program, Leonardo will develop a seamless, fully integrated loading system for Joint Modular Intermodal Containers (JMIC) on the AW139 helicopter. Honeywell, who developed the A139’s existing autopilot system, will develop autonomous takeoff and landing capabilities. Near Earth will provide its logistics and sensor package which enables the AW139 to operate fully autonomously without a remote pilot. Additionally, they will demonstrate the autonomous capabilities, allowing minimally trained personnel to complete complex missions. 

Autonomous Helicopters

This program is the latest chapter of Near Earth’s goal to provide fully autonomous large-scale UAV solutions, previously on Kaman’s K-Max platform. This new platform will allow for new, all-autonomous supply chains to frontline operations, enabling full-scale helicopter logistics, just minus the pilots. 

Sanjiv Singh, CEO of Near Earth, stated, “We started the company in 2012 to demonstrate autonomous resupply operations in austere environments at an unprecedented scale. We proved feasibility in 2017 with an autonomous UH-1, and now the Aerial Logistics Connector program allows us to demonstrate a complete system that meets this operational need in the near future. We look forward to working with our partners at Leonardo, Honeywell and NAVAIR to build upon state-of-the-art to advance the efficiency and safety of military logistics. “

“Leonardo Helicopters is excited to introduce the USMC to the world-class AW139 helicopter for this next-generation FVL mission,” said Scott Volkert, Dir. of USMC Programs for Leonardo Helicopters. “The combination of Near Earth’s autonomy and AW139 platform will provide the Marines relief on their combat rotorcraft fleet and reduce their workforce requirements.”

“The future of aviation will include several layers of autonomy, and Honeywell is proud to work with our partners to provide the cutting-edge technologies that enable safe and secure autonomy solutions across a range of vehicles, including the AW139,” said Matt Milas, president, Defense & Space, Honeywell Aerospace Technologies.

More information on Near Earth Autonomy is available here. 

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