The MATRIX system is designed to safely and efficiently execute complex tasks, such as cargo transport, without onboard pilots. Rich Benton, vice president and general manager of Sikorsky, explained: “Aircraft with MATRIX autonomy can safely and reliably perform a variety of complex missions, including internal and external cargo transport with no one on board. With the Marine Corps, we will explore how an autonomy-based fleet of uncrewed aerial systems, rotary and fixed wing aircraft can sustain the expeditionary force with precision resupply during distributed, high-tempo operations.”
The demonstrations will highlight how autonomous aircraft can supply Marine forces operating from naval ships or expeditionary bases on land. Marines will use tablet interfaces to modify mission plans either before or during flight, showcasing the system’s operational flexibility.
The demonstrations are being funded under a Phase 1 Aerial Logistics Connector agreement. The agreement, managed through the Naval Aviation Systems Consortium and the Naval Air Systems Command, aims to advance the application of autonomous systems in military operations.
Sikorsky’s MATRIX flight autonomy system is platform-agnostic, meaning it can be integrated with both rotary and fixed-wing aircraft. Initially developed to enhance safety for crewed helicopters, the system now features capabilities such as assisted flight handling, virtual co-piloting, and fully autonomous operation. This technology was refined with support from the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) through its ALIAS program.
Sikorsky has successfully showcased MATRIX-enabled autonomy in various settings. At the Association of the United States Army (AUSA) exposition in October 2024, Department of Defense officials were able to send mission commands to an Optionally Piloted Black Hawk helicopter in Connecticut, which then autonomously completed a flight sequence, including take-off, hovering, and landing.
These demonstrations build on earlier milestones, such as Project Convergence 2022, where Sikorsky and DARPA demonstrated autonomous cargo resupply missions to the U.S. Army. The tests highlighted how the Black Hawk helicopter can safely execute missions without human pilots on board.
