A Boeing flight control system enabled a CH-47F Chinook helicopter to complete a landing with no pilot input needed during a recent flight test.
The aerospace firm used its Digital Automated Flight Control System (DAFCS) software to help the heavy-lift aircraft touch down on all wheels without the usual manual control for the first time.
DAFCS is designed to enable automated tactical approaches aligned with pilot preferences, improving flexibility and overall operational capability.
It forms the foundation for Boeing’s new Approach-to-X (A2X) technology, developed with input from pilots and engineers collaborating to optimize interface, control laws, and safety checks.
“Our goal is to reduce pilot workload so crews can maintain more eyes-out awareness in a tactical situation,” H-47 Human Factors Engineering Lead Deanna DiBernardi said.
Taking Over Pilot Duties
While in the air, pilots need to choose an optimal landing zone and final altitude, as well as set the approach angle and start speed.
From there, the software takes over control inputs, guiding the aircraft to the designated landing point.
If conditions change, pilots can still adjust the approach in real time to account for dynamic factors.
Since its integration on a CH-47F last January, A2X has completed over 150 approaches at final altitudes of 100 feet (30 meters), recording a position error of less than 5 feet (1.5 meters).
Boeing is now planning additional flight tests to further refine the system, with the aim of integrating it into future US Army aviation platforms.
“The army wants to add layers of optimally crewed capability quickly, and we’re working side by side with them to make those upgrades a reality,” said Heather McBryan, vice president and program manager of Boeing Cargo Programs.
