This upgraded aircraft, designated MX, will allow the U.S. Army Combat Capabilities Development Command (DEVCOM) to evaluate a range of autonomy features, from single-pilot operations to fully uninhabited flight.
Sikorsky’s Vice President and General Manager, Rich Benton, stated that autonomy-enabled aircraft will reduce pilot workload, enhance safety, and enable commanders to execute complex missions in any environment.
The MATRIX system is the core of DARPA’s ALIAS (Aircrew Labor In-cockpit Automation System) programme. Sikorsky first contributed to this initiative in 2020, equipping the MX aircraft with fly-by-wire flight controls.
Once the MATRIX system is integrated into the MX helicopter in 2025, DEVCOM will explore its practical applications, including its ability to navigate threats and terrain using advanced sensor suites.
Sikorsky and DARPA have already demonstrated the Optionally Piloted Black Hawk’s autonomous capabilities, allowing the helicopter to be controlled by operators in the cabin or remotely via a tablet.
Earlier demonstrations of autonomous flights, including those at Project Convergence 2022, showcased how the Black Hawk could successfully conduct cargo resupply missions without a human crew on board.
