Airbus and the Defence Science and Technology Agency (DSTA) of Singapore successfully completed flight tests of HTeaming, a pioneering project conducted at an airbase in Singapore. This flight demonstration marked the first time the HTeaming system was integrated with the Airbus Flexrotor Uncrewed Aerial System (UAS) and the Republic of Singapore Air Force's (RSAF) H225M helicopter.
These tests followed a cooperation agreement signed in June last year. Both parties collaborated to explore the feasibility of crewed-uncrewed teaming between manned aircraft and unmanned aerial systems to enhance situational awareness and mission effectiveness through a flight demonstration project.
In January, under simulated operational conditions, the tests showed that the manned helicopter could access real-time data from the UAS efficiently and safely. This significantly expanded the aircraft's situational awareness and improved overall mission safety. To demonstrate these capabilities, the H225M helicopter and Flexrotor UAS conducted joint search and rescue operations, resulting in more comprehensive and accurate situational awareness for the crew.
Under this collaboration, Airbus was responsible for designing the HTeaming system and integrating it into the H225M helicopter, including developing the data-link architecture. This integration enables crews to receive and process real-time data from the Flexrotor while maintaining direct control and command of the unmanned aerial vehicle. This teamwork allows for faster decision-making and mission execution while reducing risks faced by crews in hazardous environments.
Ang Jer Meng, Director of Air Systems at Singapore's Defence Science and Technology Agency, said, “Modern operational complexities demand solutions that can adapt in real time. The success of this flight demonstration reflects DSTA's commitment to driving innovation and fostering strong partnerships with industry. It is a significant step forward in developing collaborative capabilities that will enhance the effectiveness of the Republic of Singapore Air Force's missions while keeping human decision-making at the core of operations.”
Olivier Michalon, Executive Vice President of Airbus Helicopters, said, “This successful collaboration is a game changer for modern tactical operations. The flight tests clearly demonstrated the potential of dual-use technology to support safe operations. By combining the strengths of both platforms, air commanders gain unprecedented situational awareness for complex missions in high-risk environments.”
Airbus HTeaming is a new modular solution for cooperation between manned aircraft and unmanned aerial systems, designed to be compatible with all Airbus helicopter models. The system is UAS-agnostic, integrating various types of unmanned aerial vehicles, allowing crews to fully control multiple UAS during flight to meet the specific needs of each mission.
The Flexrotor is a new vertical takeoff and landing (VTOL) unmanned aerial vehicle weighing 25 kilograms (55 pounds). It is designed for intelligence, surveillance, target acquisition, and reconnaissance (ISTAR) missions, capable of operating for 12 to 14 hours under typical conditions and about 10 hours in an enhanced maritime security (EMSA) configuration. It supports a variety of payloads such as electro-optical systems and advanced sensors tailored to specific user missions. Its ability to autonomously take off and land on land or sea within a footprint of just 3.7 by 3.7 meters (12 by 12 feet) makes the Flexrotor ideal for mobile or specialized missions requiring operations in confined spaces with minimal infrastructure.
As the newest member of the Super Puma family, the H225 helicopter is recognized for its performance in challenging environments, offering long-range flights and superior payload capacity. Its avionics and automatic flight control systems enhance flight safety and reduce pilot workload. Currently, over 360 H225 and H225M helicopters have accumulated more than one million flight hours. The H225 and H225M serve in air forces worldwide, including those of Brazil, France, Hungary, Indonesia, Iraq, Kuwait, Malaysia, Mexico, the Netherlands, Singapore, Thailand, and Morocco.