The Skyryse One, a Robinson R66 helicopter modified with fly-by-wire flight controls and a single-control user interface, has received a special airworthiness certificate from the FAA. The certificate is another step toward supplemental type certification of the Skyryse One and facilitates further flight testing on the way to planned FAA approval next year.
According to Skyryse, “The special airworthiness certificate we received is issued to allow companies to show compliance with regulations (like for the issuance of type and supplemental type certificates), R&D, and crew training.” With the certificate in hand, Skyryse plans to begin flight testing with a production version of the Skyryse One.
Modification of the R66 involves removal of all the existing flight controls and actuators and replacement with Skyryse’s fly-by-wire flight control system and SkyOS operating system software. The pilot interface is a single control stick and two touchscreen displays. Essentially, the SkyOS enables full functionality of the R66 while providing envelope protection that prevents the pilot from flying outside the helicopter’s limitations. The modified helicopter has also demonstrated automated full-down autorotations without any pilot intervention.
“Today's milestone represents another important step in our mission of making flight simpler and safer for everyone,” said Mark Groden, CEO of Skyryse. “We appreciate the continued cooperation and partnership with the FAA as we work toward our shared goal of eliminating fatalities in aviation.”