Defense & Military
US Soldier commands Autonomous Black Hawk with Sikorsky MATRIX tech
A U.S. Army soldier operated an autonomous Black Hawk helicopter via tablet using Sikorsky’s MATRIX system at Northern Strike 25-2.
A New Chapter in Military Aviation: When Soldiers Fly Helicopters with Tablets
In a significant leap forward for military technology, a recent demonstration has blurred the lines between operator and aviator. For the first time, a U.S. Army National Guard Sergeant, who is not a trained pilot, successfully planned and executed a series of complex missions using an autonomous Black Hawk helicopter. This event, which took place during the Northern Strike 25-2 exercise at Camp Grayling, Michigan, showcased the power and accessibility of Sikorsky’s MATRIX™ technology, an advanced flight autonomy system. The exercise represents a pivotal moment, suggesting a future where complex aerial operations can be managed by soldiers on the ground with minimal training, potentially revolutionizing logistics, resupply, and rescue missions.
The demonstration was not merely a proof of concept; it was a rigorous test in a realistic operational environment. Conducted as a partnership between Lockheed Martin’s Sikorsky, the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA), and the Joint Personnel Recovery Agency, the exercise aimed to prove the viability of Optionally Piloted Vehicles (OPV) in modern warfare. The core technology, MATRIX, is a key component of DARPA’s Aircrew Labor In-cockpit Automation System (ALIAS) program. This initiative seeks to integrate sophisticated Automation into existing aircraft, reducing the cognitive load on pilots and expanding mission capabilities, especially in high-risk scenarios where sending a crewed aircraft is unacceptably dangerous.
The implications of this successful demonstration are far-reaching. By placing advanced autonomous capabilities into the hands of a soldier with less than an hour of training, the military is exploring a fundamental shift in operational strategy. This technology could enhance the resilience and flexibility of forces in contested environments, allowing commanders to deploy assets more effectively without endangering pilots. The ability for a ground-based soldier to command an aircraft like a large, highly capable drone opens up new tactical possibilities and addresses long-standing challenges in military logistics and personnel recovery.
The Northern Strike Demonstration: Pushing the Boundaries of Autonomy
The Northern Strike 25-2 exercise served as the stage for several groundbreaking achievements in autonomous flight. The central figure, a U.S. Army Sergeant First Class, became the first soldier to take full command of the OPV Black Hawk, directing its every move through an intuitive handheld tablet. This marked a critical departure from previous tests, which were typically overseen by highly trained test pilots or engineers. The soldier’s ability to quickly grasp the system and execute missions underscores the user-centric design of the MATRIX interface, which abstracts the complexities of flight into simple, actionable commands.
From Tablet to Takeoff: A Soldier in Command
The missions conducted were not simple flight patterns. In one scenario, the soldier, positioned on a U.S. Coast Guard boat in Lake Huron, planned and launched a resupply mission to a location 70 nautical miles away. From this remote position, he commanded the autonomous Black Hawk to perform precision parachute drops at varying altitudes over the lake. This exercise demonstrated the system’s capacity for long-range, remotely operated logistics, a critical capability for dispersed military forces.
The Training required for the soldier to achieve this was remarkably brief. In under an hour, he was equipped with the skills needed to operate the sophisticated aircraft. This rapid learning curve is a testament to the MATRIX system’s design philosophy, which aims to make advanced aviation accessible to operators, not just pilots. The system handles the intricate details of flight control, allowing the soldier to focus on the mission objectives, what to move, where to move it, and when.
Throughout the exercises, the OPV Black Hawk performed a variety of cargo delivery methods, including internal transport, external sling loads, and the aforementioned parachute drops. For safety and regulatory compliance within U.S. airspace, a safety pilot was present in the cockpit during all flights, but the aircraft’s actions were dictated by the soldier on the ground. This setup allowed for a robust and safe evaluation of the technology’s readiness for real-world application.
“The level of autonomy that the team has with the MATRIX technology and how that’s put into the [OPV] aircraft, it really takes an operator, not a pilot.” – Ramsey Bentley, Sikorsky Advanced Programs Business Development Director
A Series of Firsts in Autonomous Flight
The Northern Strike demonstration was notable for a series of “firsts” that pushed the envelope of autonomous aviation. One of the most impressive feats was the first-ever autonomous hookup of an external sling load while the aircraft was airborne. The OPV Black Hawk demonstrated exceptional stability, holding a precise hover that allowed soldiers on the ground to quickly attach a 2,900-pound water tank, colloquially known as a “water buffalo.” This capability is crucial, as sling load operations are notoriously demanding for human pilots, requiring immense concentration and skill to maintain a stable hover, especially in challenging wind conditions.
Another significant first was the execution of an autonomous medical evacuation (MEDEVAC) mission commanded by the soldier from within the aircraft. In this simulation, the OPV Black Hawk was used for a personnel recovery, culminating in a tail-to-tail patient transfer to a traditionally piloted Black Hawk at an unprepared landing site. This scenario highlights the potential for autonomous systems to perform high-stakes rescue missions in dangerous environments, getting casualties to care faster and with less risk to recovery crews.
The aircraft also demonstrated its utility in supporting ground artillery units by transporting HIMARS (High Mobility Artillery Rocket System) launch tubes via six separate autonomous hovering hookups. Each of these achievements, taken together, paints a clear picture of a mature and versatile technology. The feedback gathered from these real-world exercises is invaluable, allowing engineers to refine the MATRIX Software in a continuous improvement cycle, as noted by Mike Baran, Chief Engineer at Sikorsky Innovations.
The Future of Military Operations and Beyond
The successful integration of the MATRIX technology into the Black Hawk platform at Northern Strike is more than just a technical achievement; it signals a strategic evolution in military logistics and aviation. The concept of an “optionally piloted” vehicle provides commanders with unprecedented flexibility. A single airframe can perform missions with a full crew, with a reduced crew aided by an AI co-pilot, or completely unmanned, depending on the nature of the mission and the level of risk involved. This adaptability is essential for maintaining operational superiority in complex and contested environments.
Looking ahead, Sikorsky is already proposing a fully uncrewed version of the Black Hawk, dubbed the “U-Hawk.” This initiative could provide a cost-effective pathway to fielding a fleet of autonomous Cargo-Aircraft by converting older UH-60L models that the U.S. Army is phasing out of service. Furthermore, the applications for this technology are not confined to the military. Sikorsky has already demonstrated the OPV Black Hawk’s potential for civilian use, including autonomous wildfire suppression. The U.S. Marine Corps is also slated to test the MATRIX system, evaluating its use for resupply missions from sea to shore, further expanding its operational portfolio.
“With lives on the line, Sikorsky’s MATRIX flight autonomy system can transform how military operators perform their missions. In contested logistics situations, a Black Hawk operating as a large drone offers commanders greater resilience and flexibility to get resources to the point of need.” – Rich Benton, Vice President and General Manager of Sikorsky
Conclusion: A New Paradigm for Air Power
The demonstration at Northern Strike 25-2 represents a confirmed step toward a future where the power of military aviation is not limited to the select few trained as pilots. By empowering a soldier to command a Black Hawk with a tablet, the program has validated a new operational paradigm. This technology promises to make military operations safer, more efficient, and more flexible, allowing forces to project power and deliver supplies in environments that were previously inaccessible or too dangerous for crewed aircraft. The ability to reduce human workload and risk while expanding mission capabilities is a transformative combination.
As the MATRIX technology continues to mature, we can expect to see its integration across a wider range of aircraft and missions, both military and civilian. The spiral development model, which incorporates direct user feedback from events like Northern Strike, ensures that the system will evolve to meet the practical needs of its operators. The journey from a pilot-operated helicopter to a soldier-commanded autonomous asset is well underway, heralding a new era of intelligent, adaptable, and accessible air power.
FAQ
Question: What is the MATRIX™ Technology?
Answer: MATRIX™ is a flight autonomy system developed by Sikorsky, a Lockheed Martin company. It is designed to be integrated into aircraft to allow for various levels of autonomous flight, from serving as a virtual co-pilot to enabling fully unmanned operations. It is a core part of DARPA’s ALIAS program.
Question: Was the Black Hawk completely empty during the autonomous flights?
Answer: No. For Safety and regulatory reasons, a safety pilot was on board the Optionally Piloted Black Hawk (OPV) during all flights conducted in the exercise. However, the mission planning and execution were fully controlled by the soldier using a tablet.
Question: What makes this demonstration significant?
Answer: This was the first time a soldier who was not a trained aviator independently planned, commanded, and executed missions with the autonomous Black Hawk. With less than an hour of training, the soldier performed complex tasks like long-range resupply, autonomous sling load hookups, and a simulated MEDEVAC, proving the system’s accessibility and operational readiness.
Sources
Photo Credit: Lockheed Martin
Defense & Military
Mid-Air Collision of Two US Navy EA-18G Growlers at Mountain Home AFB
Two US Navy EA-18G Growlers collided near Mountain Home Air Force Base during the 2026 Gunfighter Skies Air Show. All crew ejected safely; investigation ongoing.
This article summarizes reporting by Reuters. This article summarizes publicly available elements and public remarks.
On Sunday, May 17, 2026, a mid-air collision involving two U.S. Navy aircraft occurred during the Gunfighter Skies Air Show in Idaho. According to initial reporting by Reuters, Mountain Home Air Forces Base immediately launched an investigation into the incident, which took place just outside the military installation.
Subsequent details gathered from local emergency services and military statements confirm that the aircraft involved were two U.S. Navy EA-18G Growler electronic warfare jets. Fortunately, all four crew members successfully ejected before the aircraft crashed and were recovered without major injuries.
The incident forced an immediate lockdown of the base and the cancellation of the remainder of the weekend air show. We are monitoring the ongoing investigation as military officials work to determine the exact cause of the entanglement.
Mid-Air Collision Details and Emergency Response
The Incident
The collision occurred shortly after 1:00 PM MDT on the second day of the highly anticipated air show, according to event organizers. The two EA-18G Growlers, operating under the U.S. Navy Growler Airshow Team (VAQ-129 Demo Team), were reportedly flying in close formation when they collided approximately two miles northwest of the base. Aviation outlets identified the specific aircraft by their tail numbers: 168895 (“NJ-502”) and 168252 (“NJ-540”).
Spectator accounts and video footage indicate the jets became entangled mid-air before plummeting to the ground. Air show announcers quickly notified the crowd that four parachutes had deployed. The crew members, two from each aircraft, were located safely about one mile south of the crash site.
Base Lockdown and Evacuation
Following the crash, the resulting debris sparked a brush fire, prompting an immediate emergency response. Mountain Home Air Force Base officials placed the installation on lockdown, instructing attendees to shelter in place to keep roadways clear for first responders.
In a public statement regarding the crash, a base spokesperson confirmed the location and the ongoing response:
“Emergency responders are on the scene, an investigation is underway and more details will be released as they become available.”
Local law enforcement, including the Mountain Home Police Department and the Elmore County Sheriff’s Office, assisted by canceling the rest of the event and closing Highway 167 to through traffic. Furthermore, Cmdr. Amelia Umayam, a spokesperson for Naval Air Forces, U.S. Pacific Fleet, confirmed the involvement of the two Navy EA-18G Growlers, while Kim Sykes of Silver Wings of Idaho corroborated the safe evacuation of the crews to the Associated Press.
Historical Context of the Gunfighter Skies Air Show
A Return Marred by Tragedy
The 2026 Gunfighter Skies Air Show marked the event’s return after an eight-year hiatus. Located about 50 miles south of Boise, Idaho, Mountain Home Air Force Base has historically hosted the event to celebrate aviation and showcase military capabilities.
However, the air show has a documented history of severe aviation accidents. According to historical data, this weekend’s collision is the third major incident at the event in the last 23 years. In 2018, during the last iteration of the show, a veteran hang glider pilot suffered a fatal crash on the runway. Previously, in 2003, a U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds F-16 jet crashed during a performance, though the pilot successfully ejected prior to impact.
AirPro News analysis
The loss of two EA-18G Growlers represents a substantial material and financial setback for the U.S. Navy. These specialized, carrier-based electronic warfare aircraft, variants of the F/A-18F Super Hornet, are highly advanced and critical to modern fleet operations.
Furthermore, we anticipate that this latest incident will prompt a rigorous review of safety protocols for military aerial demonstrations. Given that the Gunfighter Skies Air Show had just returned from an eight-year pause, a third major crash since 2003 raises significant questions about the future viability of the event. The forthcoming military investigation will be crucial in determining whether mechanical failure, environmental factors, or pilot error contributed to the collision, which will likely dictate whether the air show returns in the future.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
When and where did the collision occur?
The collision happened on Sunday, May 17, 2026, shortly after 1:00 PM MDT, approximately two miles northwest of Mountain Home Air Force Base in Idaho.
What type of aircraft were involved?
The incident involved two U.S. Navy EA-18G Growler electronic warfare jets belonging to the VAQ-129 Demo Team.
Were there any casualties?
No. All four crew members (two in each aircraft) successfully ejected and were recovered safely with no major injuries reported.
Will the air show continue?
No. Local law enforcement and base officials immediately canceled the remainder of the Gunfighter Skies Air Show to secure the area and conduct an investigation.
Sources:
Reuters
Public statements from Mountain Home Air Force Base, U.S. Navy Pacific Fleet, and Silver Wings of Idaho.
Photo Credit: X
Defense & Military
AEVEX Secures $18.5M U.S. Air Force Contract for 3D-Printed Drones
AEVEX Corp. awarded $18.5M contract to supply 3D-printed Group 3 unmanned drones to U.S. Air Force, enhancing defense manufacturing capabilities.
This article is based on an official press release from AEVEX Corp.
AEVEX Corp. (NYSE: AVEX) has officially announced the acquisition of an $18.5 million contract from the U.S. Air-Forces. According to the company’s press release, the agreement centers on the production and delivery of Group 3 unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) specifically engineered for One Way Attack (OWA) missions. The contract also encompasses ongoing support from the company’s engineering and field services divisions.
This development highlights a broader, accelerating trend within the defense sector: the strategic integration of additive manufacturing, commonly known as 3D printing. By leveraging these advanced manufacturing techniques, defense contractors are aiming to rapidly produce and field scalable, cost-effective unmanned systems to meet the urgent demands of modern asymmetric warfare.
The timing of the U.S. Air Force contract is notable, arriving just weeks after AEVEX’s initial public offering (IPO) in April 2026. Industry data indicates that the announcement has generated significant positive momentum for the company’s stock, serving as an early public-market validation of its defense manufacturing model.
Contract Details and Technological Edge
Additive Manufacturing and Autonomy
Under the terms of the $18.5 million Contracts, AEVEX will supply the U.S. Air Force with its Group 3 unmanned aircraft systems. According to the company’s official statements, these platforms are constructed utilizing advanced 3D-printing processes. This specific Manufacturing methodology was selected to ensure scalable production, maintain affordability, and enable the rapid fielding of assets in dynamic combat environments.
Furthermore, the press release notes that these aircraft are equipped with “autonomy-enabling frameworks.” These integrated systems are designed to reduce the cognitive load on human operators while supporting a diverse array of mission requirements inherent to One Way Attack profiles.
Domestic Production Infrastructure
To fulfill the U.S. Air Force’s requirements, AEVEX plans to utilize its existing, vertically integrated infrastructure within the United States rather than relying on outsourced manufacturing. The company reports operating approximately 100,000 square feet of dedicated unmanned systems (UxS) manufacturing space.
This production capacity is supported by a multi-disciplinary engineering workforce consisting of more than 150 personnel. AEVEX maintains distributed operations across several states, including its headquarters in Solana Beach, California, as well as facilities in Virginia, Ohio, Florida, and Alabama, strategically positioning the company near key U.S. Government partners.
“We appreciate the continued trust the U.S. Air Force places in AEVEX. Our teams are focused on delivering dependable, mission-aligned capabilities, and we remain committed to ensuring high-quality assets reach the people who need them.”
, Roger Wells, Chief Executive Officer at AEVEX (via company press release)
Market Reaction and Industry Context
Post-IPO Momentum and Analyst Sentiment
The announcement of the $18.5 million contract coincided with highly favorable coverage from financial analysts. Following the company’s successful IPO on the New York Stock Exchange on April 20, 2026, major brokerages including JPMorgan, Bank of America, Raymond James, and Needham initiated or upgraded coverage on AEVEX with “Buy” or “Outperform” ratings.
According to industry research reports, Needham specifically highlighted AEVEX’s substantial footprint in the global defense market, noting that the company has secured over $1 billion in contracts related to the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. Following the U.S. Air Force contract news and subsequent analyst upgrades, AEVEX’s stock experienced a surge of over 16% in intraday trading between May 12 and May 13, 2026.
The Rise of Group 3 OWA Drones
One Way Attack Drones, frequently referred to as loitering munitions, have emerged as a defining technology in contemporary conflicts. They provide military forces with a low-cost, high-precision alternative to traditional cruise missiles. Based on U.S. military classification standards, Group 3 drones typically weigh between 21 and 132 pounds and operate at altitudes below 18,000 feet. This classification strikes a critical balance between the portability of smaller tactical units and the heavier payload capacities of larger strategic drones.
The U.S. Department of Defense has been actively pushing for a more resilient and agile defense industrial base. AEVEX’s application of 3D printing directly addresses the military’s urgent requirement to bypass traditional, often sluggish supply chains in order to rapidly replace attritable assets during sustained combat operations.
Recent Strategic Partnerships
Enhancing Platform Capabilities
Leading up to this contract, AEVEX has engaged in several strategic Partnerships to enhance its technological offerings. On April 7, 2026, X-Bow Systems announced a $12.2 million contract with AEVEX to manufacture rocket-assisted take-off (RATO) kits for AEVEX’s “Disruptor” drone, a Group 3 UAS. This integration allows the drones to be launched from unprepared surfaces and confined spaces without the need for a traditional runway.
Additionally, on May 5, 2026, AEVEX joined Persistent Systems’ Wave Relay® Ecosystem. This partnership integrates advanced mobile ad hoc networking (MANET) into AEVEX’s unmanned platforms, a move designed to significantly improve communication resilience in contested electronic warfare environments.
AirPro News analysis
We view AEVEX’s recent $18.5 million contract as a pivotal indicator of where defense procurement is heading. The intersection of additive manufacturing and modern warfare is rapidly moving from theoretical concept to operational reality. AEVEX’s ability to 3D-print kamikaze drones at scale is a direct, pragmatic response to the lessons learned from recent global conflicts, where the attrition rates of unmanned systems are exceptionally high.
Financially, this contract serves as a crucial early validation of the company’s business model for public market investors following its April IPO. As AEVEX prepares to release its first-quarter fiscal 2026 financial results on May 20, 2026, its inaugural earnings call as a public entity, we expect investors and defense analysts alike to closely scrutinize updates regarding the company’s contract backlog and its capacity to scale 3D-printed production lines.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is a Group 3 UAS? Under U.S. military classifications, a Group 3 Unmanned Aircraft System typically weighs between 21 and 132 pounds and operates at altitudes below 18,000 feet.
- What does OWA stand for? OWA stands for One Way Attack. These are unmanned systems designed to strike a target directly, often referred to as loitering munitions or “kamikaze” drones.
- Why is 3D printing important for military drones? Additive manufacturing (3D printing) allows defense contractors to rapidly produce drone components at scale, lowering costs and bypassing traditional supply chain bottlenecks to quickly replace assets lost in combat.
Sources
Photo Credit: AEVEX Corp.
Defense & Military
GA-ASI and USAF Test APKWS on MQ-9A Reaper Drone
GA-ASI and the US Air Force conducted flight tests integrating APKWS laser-guided rockets on the MQ-9A Reaper to counter attack drones.
This article is based on an official press release from General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc. (GA-ASI).
General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc. (GA-ASI) and the United States Air Force have successfully conducted flight tests integrating the Advanced Precision Kill Weapon System (APKWS) onto the MQ-9A Reaper drones. According to an official press release from the company, the recent demonstration highlights a rapid technological adaptation aimed at countering the growing threat of one-way attack drones.
The tests, which took place at the Nevada Test and Training Range (NTTR), involved multiple shot profiles, including successful engagements against aerial targets. By equipping the MQ-9A with laser-guided rockets, the Air Force is exploring cost-effective methods to expand the drone’s magazine depth and operational versatility.
This integration effort brings together multiple Department of War stakeholders and industry partners, moving swiftly from the planning phase to live-fire test-flights. The successful demonstration underscores the military’s urgent need for persistent, armed surveillance platforms capable of defending against asymmetric aerial threats.
Expanding the Reaper’s Arsenal
Details of the Demonstration
During the recent flight tests at the Nevada Test and Training Range, MQ-9A crews flawlessly executed multiple shots using a specialized launcher and laser-guided rockets, as detailed in the GA-ASI press release. The demonstration proved the system’s ability to handle various shot profiles, specifically targeting airborne threats.
The MQ-9A Reaper, produced by GA-ASI, has long been a staple of U.S. Air Force intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) and strike missions. By integrating the APKWS, the military is leveraging the drone’s existing sensor suite and laser-designation architecture to guide rockets to their targets.
Increasing Payload Efficiency
The primary advantage of the APKWS integration is the ability to carry a larger number of munitions. Industry specifications from the U.S. Navy indicate that the MQ-9A Reaper has an external payload capacity of 3,000 pounds and a maximum endurance of up to 27 hours. Traditionally armed with heavier, more expensive munitions, the Reaper’s magazine depth has been limited by weight and cost constraints.
“We recognize the value that a system like APKWS brings to the MQ-9 aircraft as a tool to counter one-way attack drones,” said GA-ASI President David R. Alexander in the company’s press release. “APKWS can increase the number of weapons the MQ-9A is able to carry, as well being able to carry new lower cost weapons. More than anything, this integration effort underscores how government and industry can collaborate to rapidly test and make new capabilities available to warfighters.”
Countering the Drone Threat
AirPro News analysis
The proliferation of cheap, one-way attack drones, often referred to as loitering munitions, has fundamentally altered modern air defense. We have observed these systems being deployed extensively in recent conflicts, presenting a significant challenge for traditional air defense networks. Using multi-million-dollar surface-to-air missiles or expensive air-to-air munitions to shoot down drones that cost only a fraction of that price creates an unsustainable cost-exchange ratio for modern militaries.
The Advanced Precision Kill Weapon System, developed by BAE Systems, offers a compelling solution to this economic imbalance. The APKWS is essentially a guidance kit that transforms standard 2.75-inch (70mm) unguided Hydra rockets into precision-guided munitions. According to industry reporting by Air & Space Forces Magazine, an APKWS rocket costs less than $40,000, making it a highly cost-effective interceptor compared to larger missiles.
By pairing the APKWS with the MQ-9A Reaper, the U.S. Air-Forces creates a persistent, forward-deployed air defense asset. The Reaper’s 27-hour endurance allows it to loiter over vulnerable areas, maritime corridors, or forward operating bases for extended periods. When a hostile one-way attack drone is detected, the MQ-9A can use its onboard sensors to track the target and deploy a low-cost APKWS rocket to neutralize the threat before it reaches its destination. This capability not only protects critical assets but also preserves more expensive interceptors for higher-tier threats.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the APKWS?
The Advanced Precision Kill Weapon System (APKWS) is a laser-guidance kit manufactured by BAE Systems that converts unguided 2.75-inch (70mm) rockets into precision-guided munitions. It is designed to strike lightly armored or soft targets, as well as aerial drones, with high accuracy and low collateral damage.
Why is the MQ-9A Reaper being armed with APKWS?
Arming the MQ-9A with APKWS allows the drone to carry a larger number of lower-cost weapons. This is particularly useful for countering cheap, one-way attack drones, providing a cost-effective alternative to using expensive traditional missiles.
Where did the recent flight tests take place?
According to the GA-ASI press release, the flight tests were conducted at the Nevada Test and Training Range (NTTR).
Sources:
General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc. (GA-ASI)
Photo Credit: General Atomics Aeronautical Systems
-
Training & Certification6 days agoCAE Explores Strategic Alternatives for Flightscape Aviation Software
-
Route Development4 days agoUS Advances $22B Overhaul of Washington Dulles Airport by 2034
-
MRO & Manufacturing6 days agoBoeing Commits $1B to Wichita Facilities and Workforce Expansion
-
Space & Satellites2 days agoSpaceX CRS-34 Mission Launches Critical Cargo to ISS in 2026
-
Regulations & Safety7 days agoUnited Airlines Passenger Assaults Crew and Attempts Cockpit Breach