Airbus US Space & Defense has conducted an autonomous flight of the H145 helicopter, employing Shield AI's Hivemind autonomy software in Grand Prairie, Texas.
The H145 helicopter executed the flight solely under the guidance of Shield AI's Hivemind, which interfaced with Airbus' Helionix system to control the mission.
The aircraft completed an automated take-off, landing, and navigated through various test manoeuvres without pilot intervention, demonstrating the software’s capability.
The H145 helicopter was selected as the platform for the test flight, with aims to refine the mission technology, adhere to project schedules, and mitigate cost and technical risks, stated Shield AI.
This test represents an advancement for the MQ-72C Lakota Connector, which is being developed to support the US Marine Corps' Aerial Logistics Connector (ALC) programme.
The software evaluated during this flight is intended for incorporation into the forthcoming MQ-72C helicopter to meet the ALC programme's objectives set by the USMC.
Airbus US Space & Defense chairman and CEO Rob Geckle said: “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.
“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 Logistics Connector is an uncrewed adaptation of the UH-72 Lakota, a versatile platform with a track record of reliability across numerous mission types.
By integrating Shield AI’s Hivemind autonomy software, the aircraft's operational scope is significantly broadened, allowing for autonomous logistics and operational missions, explained the company.
Further testing will see an escalation in the MQ-72C's autonomy levels, with an end goal of enabling uncrewed missions in challenging logistics environments.
Airbus US aims to extend these autonomous capabilities to other helicopter models beyond the MQ-72C.
Airbus US is embarking on the second year of its participation in the ALC middle tier of acquisition rapid prototyping programme.
The ALC initiative aligns with the US Department of Defense's broader strategy to enhance logistical capabilities across dispersed areas, especially in situations where conflicts with adversaries of similar strength are involved.
In May 2024, Naval Air Systems Command granted Airbus US Space & Defense a Phase I Other Transaction Authority (OTA) via the Naval Aviation Systems Consortium for its uncrewed UH-72 Logistics Connector concept.
This concept is based on the well-established UH-72 Lakota platform.
In June 2025, Airbus US Space & Defense established a multi-year partnership with Parry Labs to advance mission capabilities of the USMC’s MQ-72C ALC.
