UTC Aerospace Systems is working with Sikorsky Aircraft to drive advancements in rotorcraft technology as part of Sikorsky's self-funded Matrix Technology autonomy research and development program. With Matrix Technology, Sikorsky aims to significantly improve the capability, safety and reliability of vertical take-off and landing aircraft. UTC Aerospace Systems and Sikorsky are units of United Technologies Corp.

Sikorsky announced this week the first flight of an S-76 helicopter — called the Sikorsky Autonomous Research Aircraft (SARA) — to test in autonomous mode the systems and software that comprise Matrix Technology. SARA uses a triplex redundant fly-by-wire Flight Control System (FCS) with computers supplied by UTC Aerospace Systems to implement the flight-critical portions of the autonomous operation.

"We're proud to provide this critical flight control technology to our customer and colleagues at Sikorsky Aircraft," said Steve Peery, vice president for UTC Aerospace Systems' Engine & Control Systems business unit. "Having previously used a derivative system on a fly-by-wire BLACK HAWK helicopter, UTC Aerospace Systems has shown the FCS could be expanded for the autonomous mission management role. We are looking forward to further advancing the FCS to continue increasing safety and versatility for future helicopters."