EL PASO, Texas (Border Report) – An American aerospace technology company has successfully flown an unmanned, full-sized helicopter in a test site in Arizona.
Honeywell called the pilotless flight of the Leonardo AW139 helicopter a “major milestone” in efforts to offer the U.S. Marine Corps an aircraft able to operate in contested environments (i.e., war zones) without risking human lives.
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The company is partnering with Near Earth Autonomy (NEA) and Leonardo (formerly AugustaWestland) for the project.
“Together with Near Earth Autonomy and Leonardo, we’re showing how existing aircraft can be adapted with trusted avionics to support the next generation of defense logistics,” said Bob Buddecke, president of electronic solutions for Honeywell. “Uncrewed aircraft will be vital in keeping service men and women as safe as possible in contested environments, and we are one step closer to realizing that vision.”…