U.S. Marine Corps testing autonomy system for helicopters

The Naval Air System Command (NAVAIR) has selected Near Earth Autonomy to demonstrate an advanced autonomy system for helicopters. The company will be demoing its technology for the U.S. Marine Corps’ Aerial Logistics Connection (ACL) program, transporting various types of cargo and serving in casualty evacuation roles, operating in both crewed and uncrewed configurations.

Near Earth Autonomy says this dual capability will expand the range of missions the U.S. Marine Corps rotorcraft will be able to undertake. Specifically, the 20-month initiative will highlight the rapid deployment of cargo up to 3,000 lb. over a 200 NM radius. To achieve this, Near Earth Autonomy will work with industry leaders Leonardo and Honeywell. They will showcase advanced autonomy on the Leonardo AW139 helicopter to provide logistical support during expeditionary operations in contested environments. 

“We started the company in 2012 to demonstrate autonomous resupply operations in austere environments at an unprecedented scale,” Sanjiv Singh, CEO of Near Earth Autonomy, said. “We proved feasibility in 2017 with an autonomous UH-1, and now the Aerial Logistics Connector program allows us to demonstrate a complete system that meets this operational need in the near future. We look forward to working with our partners at Leonardo, Honeywell and NAVAIR to build upon state-of-the-art to advance the efficiency and safety of military logistics.” 

Near Earth Autonomy will lean on industry-leading partners 

Leonardo’s AW139 is known for its versatility in defense, medical rescue, law enforcement, and energy operations. When combined with Near Earth’s logistics mission autonomy system, it will be the centerpiece of this program.

For the program, Leonardo will implement a fast loading, securing, and unloading system for Joint Modular Intermodal Containers (JMIC) on the AW139 helicopter. Honeywell, which already provides the AW139’s autopilot, will augment the system to enable autonomous take-off and landing capabilities.

“The future of aviation will include several layers of autonomy, and Honeywell is proud to work with our partners to provide the cutting-edge technologies that enable safe and secure autonomy solutions across a range of vehicles, including the AW139,” Matt Milas, president of Defense & Space at Honeywell Aerospace Technologies, said.

As the prime contractor, Near Earth will demonstrate a fully integrated logistics system featuring onboard autonomy that guides the aircraft and modifies the flight trajectory. This allows the system to avoid hazards without requiring a remote operator. Additionally, Near Earth will demonstrate mission autonomy, enabling lightly trained personnel to request, dispatch, monitor, and retask supply deliveries in contested environments.