Rockwell demonstrates pilot-optional takeoff

Rockwell Collins has demonstrated fully-autonomous takeoff and landing of a twin-engine aircraft that was designed for pilot-optional flight using a drone autopilot.

That is, it's a jet that can fly with or without a pilot.

The demonstration of the Athena 411 control system in a twin-engine Aurora Flight Sciences Centaur marks the first time an unmanned aircraft system (UAS) autopilot has been flown in an optionally piloted aircraft, said Dave Schreck, Rockwell Collins director of UAS and Control Technologies .

“We are using affordable UAS technology to bring advanced aerospace functions and enhanced safety features to optionally piloted vehicles,” Schreck said in a statement released by the company Tuesday.

The Centaur is a new type of aircraft that can be flown in three modes. It can be piloted as a normal airplane, retaining its FAA certification and the full functionality of its flight management system.

But in less than four hours, the Centaur can be converted to an unmanned aircraft, using a completely separate control system installed where the copilot normally sits.

In a hybrid mode, the Centaur can be operated as an unmanned aerial vehicle but with a crew on board. The crew can control the aircraft using an onboard control station, operate payloads and perform experiments, interact with air traffic controllers, and serve as a safety observer.

The human pilot can override the robotic flight control system at any time.

Rockwell Collins's Athena 411 was developed for compatibility with both unmanned and manned aircraft. It incorporates an integrated inertial navigation system, GPS, air data/attitude and heading reference system and a flight control system.