Sikorsky Invests In Adaptive Flights Inc.
The field of autonomous flight got what could be a boost
Monday, as Sikorsky Innovations announced it has made an equity
investment in Adaptive Flight, Inc., a Georgia-based manufacturer
of avionics system solutions for small and medium-sized unmanned
aerial vehicles (UAVs). The investment, in part, will be directed
toward developing technologies that allow piloted and unpiloted
aircraft to work together, an area in which the parties have been
collaborating.
This investment signals another step forward in Sikorsky's
ongoing work in the area of autonomy and optionally piloted
aircraft technology, meaning aircraft that can fly with or without
pilots on board. The effort is currently focused on developing
optionally piloted technology for the BLACK HAWK helicopter.
Current plans include a demonstration flight of an unmanned
resupply cargo mission.
"Adaptive Flight is a great match with the Sikorsky Innovations'
charter to redefine the future of vertical flight. We are pleased
with this investment and look forward to working more closely with
them," said Chris Van Buiten, Director of Sikorsky Innovations.
"Adaptive Flight is a leader in autonomous technology development
for small-scale rotorcraft, and it brings a solid expertise in
small unmanned systems as well as a broad synergy with our
Manned/Unmanned Resupply Aerial Lifter program."
"This investment in Adaptive Flight continues Sikorsky
Innovations' commitment to mature autonomy related technology to
improve our current and future products," said Mark Miller,
Sikorsky Vice President of Research & Engineering. "We look
forward to exploring the manned – unmanned teaming potential
of our products with the Adaptive Flight team."
"This is a big deal for us," said Henrik Christophersen, Chief
Executive Officer for Adaptive Flight, Inc. "Sikorsky's recognition
of our technology and capabilities, as well as the opportunity for
growth and collaboration this investment enables, represents a
significant step for Adaptive Flight. We look forward to working
with Sikorsky and to apply our products and skills to develop new
and exciting unmanned Vertical Take-Off and Landing (VTOL)
solutions for a wide range of
applications."
"Along with our other recent technology investments, Adaptive
Flight helps us execute our strategy of demonstrating
differentiating technologies. The Sikorsky strategy and business
development team will continue to seek out and close on
opportunities with small, innovative businesses," said Mark Cherry,
Sikorsky Vice President of Corporate Strategy & Synergy.