Airbus and Shield AI complete first autonomous helicopter test flight

August 20, 2025, by Fatima Bahtić

Airbus U.S. Space & Defense and Shield AI have completed their first autonomous helicopter test flight, integrating Shield AI’s Hivemind autonomy package.

The test flight, which took place in Grand Prairie, Texas, marks a significant step in the development of the MQ-72C Lakota connector, supporting the US Marine Corps (USMC) Aerial Logistics Connector (ALC) program.

The H145 helicopter was used as the test vehicle. According to Airbus, the integration of Hivemind into the aircraft was completed in under two months.

During the test, the H145 flew under the direct control of Shield AI’s Hivemind autonomy software, in collaboration with Airbus’ Helionix. The integrated software served as the mission system control of the aircraft, performing an auto takeoff, landing, and other test points to illustrate the software’s ability to direct the aircraft without pilot input.

“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.”

The MQ-72C Logistics Connector is currently being developed as an unmanned variant of the UH-72 Lakota. The tested software will be incorporated into the future MQ-72C helicopter design to meet the USMC requirements for the ALC program.

The incorporation of Shield AI’s Hivemind autonomy software is expected to expand the platform’s mission capabilities through autonomy-enabled operations across a wide range of logistics and operational scenarios.

“This flight marks an important validation of our approach to mission autonomy,” said Gary Steele, CEO of Shield AI.

“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.”

To remind, Shield AI recently revealed that the Netherlands Ministry of Defence has procured eight V-BAT unmanned aircraft systems.

Netherlands buys eight V-BAT unmanned aircraft systems from Shield AI

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Authorities

“We are delighted to collaborate with Eureka on this groundbreaking project. Our Singapore shipyard is equipped with the latest technology and staffed by a highly experienced team, enabling us to deliver complex vessels quickly and at scale,” Chan Eng Yew from Strategic Marine commented.

“The AIRCAT BENGAL MC, with its advanced autonomy, exemplifies the future of high-performance vessels for both defense and offshore energy logistics. This partnership not only benefits our companies, but also contributes to the broader economic and security interests of both Singapore and the United States, while supporting allied and partner country collaboration in the Indo-Pacific,” he concluded.