Ace Aeronautics to bring Skyryse flight control system to civilian Black Hawks
November 26, 2024
Skyryse has partnered with major Black Hawk reseller Ace Aeronautics to bring its proprietary SkyOS flight control system to the platform, promising to transform the helicopter into “the world’s safest and simplest aircraft to fly”. This collaboration is expected to address the rising demand for safer solutions in the civilian market.
Skyryse describes its SkyOS flight control system as “a universal operating system for any helicopter or airplane,” enabling any pilot to be “capable of taking off, flying and landing any aircraft, protected by SkyOS state-of-the-art safety features”. Replacing what Skyryse deems “antiquated mechanical controls,” SkyOS combines AI-driven insight with fly-by-wire technology to provide “dynamic envelope protection”, preventing the pilot from control inputs that could jeopardise the safety of the aircraft (such as overbanking or reducing airspeed), simplified with the provision of a single control stick and two touchscreens.
Under the partnership, ACE’s Alabama facility will serve as the primary installation hub for retrofitting Black Hawk helicopters with SkyOS; paving the way for the pair to equip what Skyryse estimates as “hundreds” of units.
Established in 2015 to develop cockpit upgrades for the UK60 Black Hawk, ACE Aeronautics’ adoption of the retrofit solution may also represent an opportunity to introduce SkyOS in offshore markets. “The Black Hawk helicopter is a proven workhorse that has performed countless missions around the world for almost 50 years,” explained ACE CEO Rich Enderle. “Today… we’re ushering in a new era of possibilities”.
Skyryse CEO Dr Mark Groden added that he was thrilled to help bring “unprecedented simplicity and safety to the most iconic aircraft to wear Sikorsky’s name,” with the company concluding that SkyOS’ integration into ACE’s Black Hawk fleet “promises to set a new industry benchmark for innovation… and unlocking the capability to make every Black Hawk optionally-piloted for high-risk or non-passenger missions”.
Having been developing and testing its SkyOS system in pre-production aircraft since 2016, Skyryse also expects deliveries of its inaugural Skyryse One aircraft – based on a Robinson R66 –to commence next year.
