The Boeing company’s A/MH-6X light-turbine helicopter flew for the first time and marked a significant mile stone in the development of worlds first manned/unmanned helicopter.
The aircraft which combines the proven performance of the A/MH-6M mission enhanced little bird (MLEB) with the unmanned aerial vehicle technologies of unmanned little bird (ULB). The modified MD530F civil helicopter has been under development since 2004.
Boeing made several key modifications to the cockpit avionics and electrical systems. The aircraft has a prototype ‘glass’ cockpit that provides system redundancy and additional technologies in digital maps and data fusion.
Total payload for the ULB Demonstrator is greater than 2,400 pounds. Future testing will expand the manned and unmanned envelopes.
The Boeing has designed and developed the derivative helicopter for both military and civilian applications, including Homeland Defense.
Boeing says this aircraft is the low cost solution for urban or confined operational areas, where full mission capability and connectivity are required.
Via: Air-attack
