The H145 helicopter was employed as the test platform to refine mission technology, support schedule timelines, and reduce both cost and technical risk. Shield AI’s Hivemind was integrated into the aircraft in under two months, underscoring the benefits of its modular and platform-agnostic design.
During the flight, the H145 operated under the direct control of Hivemind software in combination with Airbus’ Helionix. The system successfully executed automatic take-off, landing, and other manoeuvres, demonstrating its ability to control the aircraft without pilot input.
“This flight test is a testament to the strength of our ALC team and opens the aperture on new mission possibilities to support the Marine Corps,” said Rob Geckle, Chairman and CEO of Airbus U.S. Space & Defense. “We are bringing together the best across industry to deliver an aircraft that changes how unmanned operations can support missions across a wide range of logistics.”
The tested software will be embedded in the future MQ-72C design to meet USMC requirements under the ALC programme. The unmanned aircraft is a variant of the UH-72 Lakota, a proven multi-mission platform, with autonomy extending its operational capabilities across logistics scenarios.
“This flight marks an important validation of our approach to mission autonomy,” said Gary Steele, CEO of Shield AI. “Hivemind was built to enable adaptable, intelligent flight across a wide range of aircraft, and this milestone shows how quickly capable teams can leverage that foundation. The collaboration with Airbus is focused, professional, and effective—an excellent example of what can be achieved when both teams are aligned on mission and execution. We’re excited to build on this momentum in the flights to come.”
The MQ-72C’s autonomy will be expanded in further tests to prepare for unmanned operations in contested logistics environments. Airbus U.S. also aims to apply mission autonomy software to other helicopter platforms beyond the MQ-72C.
The programme has entered its second year under the Middle Tier of Acquisition Rapid Prototyping initiative, which will deliver prototypes for operational demonstrations. In May 2024, Naval Air Systems Command awarded Airbus U.S. Space & Defense a Phase I Other Transaction Authority for its unmanned UH-72 Logistics Connector concept, part of wider Department of Defense efforts to support distributed logistics in future conflicts.
