Airbus US Space & Defense has completed its first autonomous helicopter test flight using Shield AI’s Hivemind autonomy package.
The MQ-72C Logistics Connector is currently being developed as an unmanned variant of the UH-72 Lakota. The incorporation of Shield AI’s Hivemind autonomy software expands the platform’s mission capabilities through autonomy-enabled operations across a wide range of logistics and operational scenarios.
The test flight, which took place in Grand Prairie, Texas, marks a significant step in the development of the MQ-72C Lakota Connector, in support of the U.S. Marine Corps (USMC) Aerial Logistics Connector (ALC) programme, says Airbus.
“The H145 helicopter was utilized as the test vehicle for the flight to help perfect the mission technology, drive schedule timelines, and reduce cost and technical risk,” said a press release. “Integration of Hivemind into the aircraft was completed in under two months, demonstrating the benefits of its modular and platform-agnostic architecture. During the test, the H145 flew under the direct control of Shield AI’s Hivemind autonomy software, in collaboration with Airbus’ Helionix. The integrated software served as the mission system control of the aircraft, performing an auto takeoff, landing, and other test points to illustrate the software’s ability to direct the aircraft without pilot input.
The tested software will be incorporated into the future MQ-72C helicopter design to meet the USMC requirements for the ALC program.
“This flight test is a testament to the strength of our ALC team and opens the aperture on new mission possibilities to support the Marine Corps,” said Rob Geckle, Chairman and CEO of Airbus U.S. Space & Defense. “We are bringing together the best across industry to deliver an aircraft that changes how unmanned operations can support missions across a wide range of logistics.”
The MQ-72C’s level of autonomy will be scaled during more test activities and demonstrations to come, ultimately leading to unmanned operations in contested logistics environments. Airbus U.S.’ goal is that mission autonomy software can ultimately be leveraged to add autonomous capabilities to other helicopter variations, in addition to the MQ-72C.
Airbus U.S. is entering the second year of the Aerial Logistics Connector Middle Tier of Acquisition (MTA) Rapid Prototyping Program, which aims to provide the service with aircraft prototypes to demonstrate capabilities to the warfighter through a series of operational demonstrations and experiments.
For more information
https://airbusus.com/2025/08/19/airbus-and-shield-ai-accomplish-first-autonomous-aerial-logistics-connector-helicopter-flight/