Airbus U.S. Space & Defense has carried out its first autonomous helicopter test flight using Shield AI’s Hivemind autonomy software. The flight, held in Grand Prairie, Texas, is part of the development of the MQ-72C Lakota Connector for the U.S. Marine Corps’ Aerial Logistics Connector (ALC) program.
An H145 helicopter served as the test platform, with Hivemind integrated in less than two months. The system worked alongside Airbus’ Helionix avionics to conduct auto takeoff, landing, and other test maneuvers without pilot input. The tested configuration will inform the design of the MQ-72C, an unmanned version of the UH-72 Lakota being developed for Marine Corps logistics missions.
“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,” said Rob Geckle, Chairman and CEO of Airbus U.S. Space & Defense. “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.”
Shield AI CEO Gary Steele described the event as confirmation of the company’s approach to autonomy: “Hivemind was built to enable adaptable, intelligent flight across a wide range of aircraft, and this milestone shows how quickly capable teams can leverage that foundation. The collaboration with Airbus is focused, professional, and effective—an excellent example of what can be achieved when both teams are aligned on mission and execution. We’re excited to build on this momentum in the flights to come.”
The MQ-72C program aims to scale its autonomy in upcoming tests and demonstrations, ultimately enabling unmanned operations in contested logistics environments. Airbus U.S. plans to extend the autonomy package to other helicopter platforms in the future.
The project is in its second year under the Pentagon’s Middle Tier of Acquisition Rapid Prototyping Program. In May 2024, Naval Air Systems Command awarded Airbus U.S. Space & Defense a Phase I contract through the Naval Aviation Systems Consortium to advance the unmanned UH-72 concept.
The Aerial Logistics Connector effort is one of several Department of Defense initiatives designed to strengthen distributed logistics during potential high-end conflicts.