Airbus Helicopters has revealed it is developing an unmanned version of the H145, with plans for a first flight of the type by the end of this year.
The manufacturer made the announcement during the ILA Berlin airshow, where it is debuting a full-scale mock up of the type — known as the “U145.”
“With the U145, we are offering our customers an autonomous, uncrewed version of our H145 helicopter — combining the proven airframe, power and useful load of the H145 with the autonomy of a UAS,” said Matthieu Louvot, CEO of Airbus Helicopters.
The company is aiming for an entry into service “at the beginning of the next decade,” and Louvot said the manufacturer will be teaming up with leading autonomous mission partners to expand the unmanned aerial systems (UAS) ecosystem in Europe.
The U145 will have a maximum takeoff weight of 3,800 kilograms (8,380 pounds), and is being developed for both military and civil applications. Airbus envisions its primary role being high-volume cargo supply, but said its modular design would suit roles ranging from disaster response, to firefighting, armed scouting, surveillance or drone mothership functionality for launched effects.
Airbus said the U145 will have a specialized sensor suite and artificial intelligence to allow full autonomy. It will have no physical cockpit and feature “significant adaptations” for cargo — such as an integrated clamshell door in its nose, a foldable loading table, and a dedicated cargo floor.
Separately, Airbus has been developing an unmanned and autonomous version of the UH-72 Lakota (the military variant of the H145) for the last two years as part of a U.S. Marine Corps’ program.
The manufacturer is using an H145 D3 for that program, which involves replacing the aircraft’s traditional control systems with a full fly-by-wire system.
