Aviation automation company Skyryse and Robinson Helicopter Company announced a partnership to develop an autonomous military drone based on the Robinson R66 helicopter, combining Skyryse's flight autonomy technology with Robinson's aircraft manufacturing capabilities.Under the agreement, Robinson's unmanned aircraft subsidiary, Robinson Unmanned, will integrate Skyryse's SkyOS autonomy system into the R66 platform to create a Group 4 unmanned aircraft system for defense missions.The companies said the aircraft is intended to support missions including collaborative combat aircraft operations, air-launched effects, manned-unmanned teaming, and intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance.Skyryse said the partnership is designed to accelerate production of autonomous aircraft by leveraging Robinson's existing manufacturing infrastructure and domestic supply chain. Robinson manufactures more than 85% of its aircraft components in the United States, a capability the companies said could reduce dependence on foreign suppliers while supporting long-term fleet sustainment.Located within 30 miles of each other in Southern California, the companies said they expect the partnership to speed integration, flight testing and production of the autonomous platform.

2026-06-29 - Skyryse, Robinson partner to develop autonomous helicopter-based military drone (UAS Magazine)

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Skyryse and Robinson Helicopter Company will develop an autonomous military drone based on the Robinson R66 helicopter using Skyryse's SkyOS flight autonomy system. The companies say the partnership aims to rapidly produce a scalable, domestically manufactured unmanned aircraft for a range of defense missions.

Skyryse, Robinson partner to develop autonomous helicopter-based military drone

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Skyryse, Robinson partner to develop autonomous helicopter-based military drone