First uncrewed autonomous helicopter test campaign

The flight operations were conducted using two Rotor R220Y autonomous helicopters. These helicopters are experimental variants of the widely-used Robinson R22, modified by removing seating, pilot controls, and the instrument panel, with Rotor’s technology enabling full automation of the aircraft's functions.

During the campaign, the twin R220Ys accumulated over 20 hours of flight and in excess of 80 hours of engine operation. These tests validated the efficiency of Rotor's autonomous flight control systems, including autonomous hover and velocity functions, as well as vision-based perception systems. Additionally, the aircraft's capability for long-distance travel was enhanced through testing long-range radio and cellular LTE communication systems, albeit within visual range of the ground control station.

While the R220Y does not require an onboard human pilot for operation, it still necessitates remote human control when not in autonomous mode.

Robinson’s Vice President of Operations, David Smith, expressed enthusiasm about their helicopters being utilised by Rotor. "Robinson's established flight heritage and manufacturing expertise position us to be a significant contributor to the emerging VTOL sector," he stated.

Subsequent phases

Rotor is now focusing on commercialising its autonomous technology with the development of the R550X, an uncrewed utility helicopter derived from the Robinson R44 Raven II. The R550X is expected to offer a payload of up to 550kg and sustain over three hours of flight endurance. Designed for risk-intensive tasks like firefighting and crop dusting, the R550X aims to perform these without endangering pilot lives.

Chief Commercial Officer Ben Frank said: "We're poised to introduce the world’s highest-payload civilian uncrewed VTOL to the commercial sphere, transferring the technological advancements from the R220Y to an equally robust, if not more capable, platform. Our partnerships are key in launching the R550X for revenue flights in 2024, a milestone that no other firm is on the brink of achieving with an autonomous helicopter of this scale."

Looking further ahead, Rotor intends to certify its technology for passenger use, aiming to revolutionise regional travel by offering a swift 90-minute commute between New York and Boston, bypassing traditional traffic congestion and enhancing safety and efficiency through autonomy.