A U.S. Army National Guard Sergeant First Class, trained in under an hour, became the first non‑aviator to independently plan, command and execute optional‑pilot (OPV) UH‑60 Black Hawk missions using Lockheed Martin Sikorsky’s MATRIX autonomy system and a handheld tablet during Northern Strike 25‑2.
Discovered |
Briefing
A non‑aviator, trained in under an hour, independently planned and executed OPV UH‑60 missions using a handheld tablet at Northern Strike 25‑2, demonstrating rapid operator uptake and a simplified human‑machine interface; this is a practical usability milestone following earlier test demonstrations (see previous autonomous UH‑60 demonstrations: https://hype.aero/?story=5825c7b0-6871-4cfa-9721-e4f135a646a8).
The exercise validates a pathway from demos to fielding: the milestone reinforces Lockheed’s recent statement that Sikorsky’s fully autonomous UH‑60 has been cleared for production, underscoring progress toward operational deployment (link: https://hype.aero/?story=2b0f7c2b-3483-407c-82a5-5e52c7443a83).
Soldier‑led mission planning aligns with broader manned–unmanned teaming and autonomy initiatives across industry, complementing recent partnerships aimed at accelerating MUM‑T and autonomy capabilities (see related MUM‑T partnerships: https://hype.aero/?story=5a18447f-53d8-4e18-b257-45f326e97d0c).
Reported By
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U.S. Soldier Commands Autonomous Black Hawk Using MATRIX Technology • aero-defence.tech
Non‑aviator U.S. soldier pilots autonomous Black Hawk at Northern Strike 25‑2 • theaviationgeekclub.com
One moment, please... • APAC Defence Reporter
(NL) Soldier Controls Black Hawk Remotely with Tablet • pilootenvliegtuig.nl
Soldier Without Pilot Training Remotely Flies Black Hawk Using Tablet ‘Matrix’ System • interestingengineering.com
(DE) Revolution in the armed forces: Untrained soldier flies Black Hawk • defence-network.com
Lockheed Martin
• News Release