Sikorsky’s MATRIX autonomy suite is heading to another aircraft, with BETA Technologies’ new ALIA MV250 set to gain self-flying capabilities for contested logistics missions.
The integration is expected to enable greater operational autonomy in high-risk environments while helping reduce operating costs.
Once integrated, the ALIA MV250 will join Sikorsky’s growing lineup of MATRIX-equipped aircraft, which includes the S-70UAS U-Hawk, Nomad unmanned aerial vehicle, and Optionally Piloted Black Hawk.
The companies formalized the partnership earlier this month. Within two weeks, MATRIX successfully flew aboard BETA’s CX300 aircraft, paving the way for its integration into the ALIA MV250.
“Integrating the MATRIX autonomy stack into the MV250 is another step forward in providing a range of solutions for contested logistics missions, which we have demonstrated in autonomous operations since 2021,” said Rich Benton, vice president and general manager of Sikorsky.
“MATRIX technology represents an opportunity to get safe, reliable, certifiable autonomy into a range of platforms as quickly as possible.”
Flight testing is now underway to expand the aircraft’s flight envelope and evaluate how MATRIX performs with BETA’s flight control system.
An Autonomous Duo
The ALIA MV250 has a range of 250 nautical miles (288 miles/463 kilometers) and a cruising speed of up to 170 knots (196 miles/315 kilometers per hour).
Capable of carrying payloads of up to 2,000 pounds (907 kilograms), it features a 250-cubic-foot (7.1-cubic-meter) cabin that can accommodate up to three Joint Modular Intermodal Containers.
MATRIX is an autonomy suite that enables aircraft to complete missions with minimal human intervention.
After operators enter mission objectives on a tablet, the system uses onboard cameras, sensors, and algorithms to autonomously plan and execute the flight.
