Airbus, Shield AI complete first autonomous logistics connector helicopter flight

Airbus U.S. Space & Defense completed its first autonomous helicopter test flight using Shield AI’s Hivemind autonomy package in Grand Prairie, Texas. The flight represents a significant step forward in developing the MQ-72C Lakota Connector for the U.S. Marine Corps Aerial Logistics Connector program.

The test utilized an H145 helicopter to refine mission technology, accelerate development timelines and reduce costs and technical risks. Engineers integrated Hivemind into the aircraft in less than two months, showcasing the system’s modular and platform-agnostic design.

During the test, Shield AI’s Hivemind autonomy software controlled the H145 directly while collaborating with Airbus’ Helionix system. The integrated software managed the aircraft’s mission systems, executing automated takeoff, landing and other test procedures without pilot input.

The tested software will be incorporated into the future MQ-72C helicopter design to meet Marine Corps requirements for the ALC program. The MQ-72C Logistics Connector is being developed as an unmanned version of the UH-72 Lakota, a multi-mission platform used across various operations.

Shield AI‘s software expands the platform’s capabilities through autonomous operations across logistics and operational scenarios. Future test activities and demonstrations will scale the MQ-72C’s autonomy level, leading toward unmanned operations in contested logistics environments.

Airbus U.S. plans to apply mission autonomy software to add autonomous capabilities to other helicopter variants beyond the MQ-72C. The company is in the second year of the Aerial Logistics Connector Middle Tier of Acquisition Rapid Prototyping Program, which provides aircraft prototypes for operational demonstrations and experiments.

In May 2024, Naval Air Systems Command awarded Airbus U.S. Space & Defense a Phase I Other Transaction Authority through the Naval Aviation Systems Consortium for its unmanned UH-72 Logistics Connector concept.

The Aerial Logistics Connector initiative is among several Defense Department programs designed to deliver logistical support in distributed environments during conflicts with peer or near-peer adversaries.