Skyryse has partnered with Robinson Helicopter Company, through its UAS subsidiary Robinson Unmanned, to integrate SkyOS into the Robinson R66 and develop a Group 4 unmanned aircraft system for defence applications.

The collaboration combines Skyryse's autonomy system with Robinson's production capabilities to deliver a scalable, cost-effective Group 4 UAS capable of supporting a range of defence missions, including collaborative combat aircraft, air-launched effects, manned-unmanned teaming and intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance.

“Defence agencies need autonomous aircraft that are reliable, affordable and available, not years from now,” says Skyryse founder and chief executive Mark Groden. “Robinson gives us the production infrastructure to deliver at scale and at a cost point that meets real-world, time-critical needs. This partnership accelerates our ability to put proven, SkyOS-powered autonomous aircraft into the hands of defence operators.”

“Manufacturing the SkyOS-powered, R66-based Group 4 UAS is a natural extension of what Robinson does best, producing reliable, high-quality aircraft at scale,” adds David Smith, president and chief executive of Robinson Helicopter Company. “By integrating SkyOS into Robinson's production ecosystem, we're helping bring advanced autonomy to a proven aircraft platform while creating a scalable pathway for future operational capabilities.”

Robinson and Skyryse have facilities within 30 miles of each other in Southern California, positioning the companies to advance integration, flight demonstrations and production. More than 85% of Robinson's aircraft components are produced domestically, a manufacturing model the companies say reduces reliance on foreign supply chains and supports long-term fleet sustainability.