The Naval Air Systems Command has selected Near Earth Autonomy as part of an aerial logistics connector program.
For the program, Wilkinsburg-based Near Earth will utilize Leonardo AW139 helicopters to demonstrate an autonomous piloting system that can be operated without a remote pilot. According to a spokesperson for Near Earth, the goal of the program is "to field a flexible solution capable of transporting up to 3,000 pounds of cargo over a 200 [kilometer] radius" as well as serve in casualty evacuation roles.
Near Earth co-founders Sanjiv Singh, Marcel Bergerman and Lyle Chamberlain demonstrated the first autonomous helicopter flight for the Army Combat Medic program in 2010, before starting New Earth in 2012. Last year, the company received a $10 million investment from a Connecticut aerospace company.
"We started [New Earth] to demonstrate autonomous resupply operations in austere environments at an unprecedented scale," Near Earth CEO Sanjiv Singh said in a prepared statement. "We proved feasibility in 2017 with an autonomous UH-1 and now the Aerial Logistics Connector program allows us to demonstrate a complete system that meets this operational need in the near future."
Near Earth is the prime contractor of the program and will work alongside aircraft provider Leonardo and autopilot provider Honeywell to "demonstrate a fully integrated logistics system featuring onboard autonomy that guides the aircraft."
This is the latest in a series of investments and partnerships that the military has made in autonomy in the region. Recently the Air Force awarded $1 million to East Liberty-based KEF Robotics and the Army awarded $14.8 million in two Pittsburgh-based autonomous vehicle firms in December.
The potential deployment of autonomous systems has received a wide variety of reactions from geopolitical leaders. Deputy Secretary of Defense Kathleen Hicks has said that autonomous combative aircraft technologies will be needed to remain competitive, but President Biden has previously considered a ban. Fears have also been expressed by the U.N. Secretary General and the Pentagon. Although these fears stem from concerns over weapons systems, a potential ban could still effect nonweapons systems.
