STRATFORD, Conn., Jan. 11, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Sikorsky, a
Lockheed Martin (NYSE: LMT) company, has won the contract for Phase
3 of the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency's (DARPA)
Aircrew Labor In-Cockpit Automation System (ALIAS) program.
DARPA's ALIAS program is leveraging advances in autonomy to
reduce pilot workload, augment mission performance, and improve
aircraft safety and reliability. DARPA is working with Sikorsky to
improve and expand the capabilities developed through a tailorable
autonomy kit for installation in both fixed wing airplanes and
helicopters.
After completion of the first two phases of the program,
Sikorsky successfully integrated its Matrix Technology™ into
Sikorsky's Autonomy Research Aircraft (SARA) and also on a Cessna
Caravan. DARPA ALIAS utilizes Matrix, a capability toolkit that
includes hardware and software as well as multi-spectral sensors
that enable scalable automation.
"Our work with DARPA has continued to grow and our team is
excited to begin Phase 3 on the ALIAS program. Our autonomy
capabilities will help pilots in high workload and degraded visual
environments ultimately increasing safety and efficiency,"
explained Mark Miller, vice
president, Sikorsky Engineering and Technology. "We have
developed this flexible technology with safety, effectiveness and
efficiency in mind to support ALIAS. We deliberately want our
customers to have the ability to determine the best utilization of
the technology. Pilots can choose to engage autonomy to help
operate, dynamically plan, adjust and/or execute a complete
spectrum of responsibilities allowing the operators to better focus
on the designated mission at hand."
Through the DARPA ALIAS program, Sikorsky is developing systems
intelligence that will give operators the confidence to fly
aircraft safely, reliably and affordably in optimally piloted modes
enabling flight with two, one or zero crew. The program will
improve operator decision aiding for manned operations while also
enabling unmanned operations.
For additional information, visit our Rotary Wing and DARPA News
web pages.
About Lockheed Martin
Headquartered in Bethesda,
Maryland, Lockheed Martin is a global security and aerospace
company that employs approximately 98,000 people worldwide and is
principally engaged in the research, design, development,
manufacture, integration and sustainment of advanced technology
systems, products and services.
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SOURCE Lockheed Martin