New operating system could let US army Black Hawk helicopters be piloted with basic training

In summary: The UH-60 Black Hawk helicopter used by the US Army since 1979 is undergoing upgrades to enable easier and potentially pilotless takeoff.

The US Army is collaborating with Skyryse to enhance their fleet of over 2,100 UH-60 Black Hawks with advanced automation technology.

This initiative will be powered by Skyryse’s innovative “SkyOS,” touted as the world’s first universal operating system for flight. The system aims to simplify helicopter operations through automation and user-friendly interfaces.

SkyOS replaces traditional pilots’ controls with touchscreen displays and a side-stick controller, making tasks like adjusting airspeed and navigation more accessible during critical missions.

Despite concerns about touchscreens in military settings, SkyOS incorporates smart 3D terrain mapping for hazard awareness, single-tap hover capability, and triple-redundant fly-by-wire backups for reliability.

The certification process for Army helicopter pilots, which typically takes 2-3 years, could be streamlined with SkyOS. The system might even enable individuals with basic training to operate the helicopters, although this is not the primary goal. The ultimate aim is to simplify flying to the point where minimal training is required for new pilots.

Furthermore, SkyOS’s hardware-agnostic nature could facilitate skill transfer between different aircraft types. One notable feature is the potential for optionally-piloted operation, allowing Black Hawks to fly unmanned on risky missions.

While the integration process of Skyryse’s system is already in progress, the transition to the new technology will be gradual. Retrofitting helicopters with new touchscreen hardware and rewiring will be a complex and time-consuming procedure likely to unfold over several years.