Airbus Helicopters has signed an agreement with Singapore’s Defence Science and Technology Agency (DSTA) to investigate manned-unmanned teaming (MUM-T) capabilities for the Republic of Singapore Air Force’s (RSAF) H225M medium helicopter, the company announced on 18 June.
The company noted in its statement that the effort will also use its Flexrotor vertical take-off and landing uncrewed aerial system (VTOL UAS) and aims to explore how crewed-uncrewed teaming can enhance situational awareness and improve mission outcomes through a flight demonstration.
“The collaboration between helicopters and UAS is a revolution in how we approach mission effectiveness. Synergising the strengths of highly skilled pilots with the advanced capabilities of uncrewed systems unlocks unprecedented operational flexibility,” said Bruno Even, CEO of Airbus Helicopters.
“Working with operators to mature these technologies and test our solutions with real life demonstrations is very important,” added Even.
Airbus will integrate its HTeaming modular crewed-uncrewed teaming system, which includes a modem, four antennas, a tablet and software, to the RSAF’s H225M, enabling its crew to fully command the Flexrotor UAS. An operational demonstration to validate the utility of cooperation between crewed helicopters and UAS will also be conducted, although no further details were disclosed.
“Crewed-uncrewed teaming offers the great potential to support more effective air operations in complex environments,” said DSTA Chief Executive Ng Chad-Son.
“Working with Airbus Helicopters, we will be able to combine our engineering expertise to unlock new possibilities in helicopter-drone integration,” added Ng. “This synergistic combination of manned platforms and autonomous systems will be a true force multiplier.”
The RSAF earlier took delivery of its first H225M helicopter in March 2021.
Airbus Helicopters signed a contract with Singapore’s Ministry of Defence for the acquisition of H225M Medium Lift Helicopters in 2016.
Singapore’s fleet of H225Ms is expected to assume a wide range of roles, including search and rescue, aeromedical evacuation, as well as humanitarian assistance and disaster relief operations.
by Jr Ng
