Rotor Technologies has completed an extensive flight campaign with its experimental R220Y autonomous helicopters. This initiative, according to Rotor, represents the first time a full-scale civilian helicopter has been flown autonomously.
The R220Y, developed from the Robinson R22, underwent extensive modifications. Traditional pilot interfaces have been replaced with Rotor’s advanced automation technology, allowing all flight operations to be conducted without onboard human intervention.
The two R220Y helicopters completed more than 20 hours of autonomous flight—along with over 80 hours of engine operation—throughout the campaign. These test flights were crucial in validating the effectiveness of Rotor’s autonomous flight control systems, which include innovative hover and velocity control modes, as well as vision-based perception systems. The aircraft demonstrated its capacity for long-distance travel, testing long-range radio and cellular LTE communications, although all flights remained within the visual line of sight from a ground control station.
Hector Xu, founder and CEO of Rotor, expressed confidence in the technology's progression toward fully autonomous operations. “Our AI pilot system is already expert-level at tasks like precision flight control and navigation in poor visibility conditions, and we’re increasing its capabilities every day,” said Xu. While the current R220Y model still necessitates remote human piloting when not operating autonomously, this campaign marks a step toward comprehensive autonomous flight.
Rotor has set its sights on the commercial viability of this technology with the forthcoming R550X, a larger uncrewed utility helicopter. Built on the foundation of the Robinson R44 Raven II, the R550X aims to offer substantial payload capabilities and extended flight endurance.
Ben Frank, the company's chief commercial officer, underscored the innovative aspects of the R550X and its anticipated commercial operations, slated for 2024. “We’re taking all the technology that we’ve developed on the R220Y and are putting it on a similar—and even more capable—platform,” Frank noted. “We’re working with a set of close partners to put the R550X into revenue operation in 2024.”
Furthermore, Rotor is not only leading the charge in commercial and utility sectors but is also pursuing the certification of passenger-carrying autonomous helicopters. This technology has the potential to revolutionize regional travel, offering a rapid and direct 200-mile commute that could turn a trip from New York to Boston into a 90-minute journey.