Airbus and Shield AI have converted a UH-72 Lakota helicopter into a drone

Airbus US Space & Defense and Shield AI have announced a strategic partnership aimed at integrating Hivemind’s autonomous software into an unmanned version of the UH-72 Lakota helicopter, Defense Blog reports. The new aircraft, dubbed the MQ-72C Logistics Connector, is being developed to support the U.S. Marine Corps’ logistics missions.

This collaboration is part of the Aerial Logistics Connector (ALC) program, which aims to create unmanned platforms capable of operating in challenging environments. Airbus and Shield AI plan to test Hivemind in combination with Airbus Helionix avionics to expand autonomous flight capabilities.

According to Robert Heckle, CEO of Airbus US Space & Defense, the UH-72 Lakota is a proven multi-role platform that is ready for unmanned operations. The Hivemind integration will allow the helicopter to operate without GPS, communications or human intervention.

Airbus US is in its second year of participating in the ALC Middle Tier of Acquisition (MTA) program, which involves the creation of prototypes for experimental logistics missions. The MQ-72C is expected to become a key element of the Pentagon's autonomous logistics networks, reducing risks to personnel and ensuring the stability of supply.