Airbus and Singapore’s Defence Science and Technology Agency (DSTA) have successfully concluded a landmark flight trial, demonstrating for the first time the integration of an Airbus Flexrotor uncrewed aerial system (UAS) with a Republic of Singapore Air Force (RSAF) H225M helicopter. The pioneering HTeaming campaign, conducted in January at a Singapore airbase, marks a significant step in crewed-uncrewed teaming (CUT) for military aviation.
The trials, stemming from a June 2023 agreement, validated how a manned helicopter can securely access and exploit real-time data from a UAS. In a simulated search and rescue scenario, the H225M crew received live video and sensor information from the Flexrotor, dramatically extending the helicopter’s visual range and enhancing overall situational awareness without exposing the crew to unnecessary risk. Airbus managed the design and integration of the HTeaming system into the H225M, implementing specialised data-link architectures that allowed the helicopter crew to maintain direct command and control of the UAS while processing its data feed.
“The successful flight demonstration underscores DSTA’s commitment to innovation and strong partnerships with industry to deliver cutting-edge solutions,” said Ang Jer Meng, Director of Air Systems at DSTA. He added that the achievement boosts confidence “to redefine the boundaries of what’s possible for more dynamic operations,” while keeping human decision-making central.
Olivier Michalon, Executive Vice President of Global Business at Airbus Helicopters, described the capability as a “game-changer for modern tactical operations,” enabling air commanders with unprecedented awareness in complex, high-risk environments.
The Airbus HTeaming solution is a modular, UAS-agnostic system designed to be compatible across the Airbus helicopter range, allowing crews to control various uncrewed platforms. The Flexrotor UAS used in the trials is a Vertical Takeoff and Landing (VTOL) aircraft capable of over 12-hour ISTAR missions. It can carry multiple payloads and operate autonomously from confined spaces, making it suitable for expeditionary missions.
This successful demonstration proves the tactical viability of securely networking advanced helicopters with unmanned systems, paving the way for enhanced mission effectiveness and crew safety in future operations.
