DARPA strives for the future helicopter pilot
Northrop Grumman's AI technology will help pilots to see more, as shown by the above depiction. (Image: Northrop Grumman)
US DARPA has contracted Northrop Grumman to develop a rotorcraft pilot AI assistant.
Northrop Grumman has been awarded a contract from the US DARPA’s Perceptually-enabled task Guidance Program to develop a prototype AI assistant.
The prototype will be embedded in an AR headset to help rotary pilots perform expected and unexpected tasks.
The company, in partnership with the University of Central Florida, will develop an operator and context-adaptive reasoning intuitive assistant (OCARINA) that will support UH-60 Blackhawk pilots.
Erin Cherry, senior autonomy program manager, Northrop Grumman, stated: ‘It will help teach new tasks, aid in the recognition and reduction of errors, improve task completion time and help to prevent catastrophic events.’
Currently, simple warning systems are the most common means for aiding a rotorcraft aircraft, such as auditory alerts to increase altitude.
However, these warning systems are limiting and can induce unanticipated cognitive burdens on pilots. In fact, studies have shown that inattentional blindness to such warnings can occur.
DARPA’s PTG program aims to provide users with wearable sensors which allow the AI assistant to provide feedback and guidance through speech and aligned graphics.
This decision follows a series of UH-60 crashes in 2021, including one which occurred in Idaho on 2 February and another which occurred in New York state on 20 January.
More from Air Warfare
-
![“Strong year” ahead as Saab sees uptick in order potential for GlobalEye and Gripen aircraft]()
“Strong year” ahead as Saab sees uptick in order potential for GlobalEye and Gripen aircraft
The aeronautics business saw a 34% boost in growth year on year, driven largely by its success with its Gripen aircraft.
-
![Ukraine and Sweden mark first major step towards potential Gripen E export deal]()
Ukraine and Sweden mark first major step towards potential Gripen E export deal
The letter of intent, signed on 22 October, is the first move in a “long road” towards Sweden strengthening the Ukrainian Air Force with up to 150 Gripen aircraft.
-
![Shield AI unveils new autonomous VTOL fighter jet concept]()
Shield AI unveils new autonomous VTOL fighter jet concept
Named X-Bat, the AI-controlled vertical take-off and landing drone is expected to enter production by 2029, with first flight tests estimated to take place a year earlier.
-
![How satcom is shaping the future of fast, accurate warfare (podcast)]()
How satcom is shaping the future of fast, accurate warfare (podcast)
"Speed is the key advantage and accuracy is the key outcome": Amazon Kuiper Government Solutions’ Rick Freeman talks to Shephard’s Georgia Lewis about how space-as-a-service is transforming defence connectivity and access to satellite capabilities.
