Airbus Unveils U145 Uncrewed Cargo Helicopter

Airbus has announced the development of the U145, an uncrewed version of the H145 twin-engine light helicopter. The U145 is designed for autonomous cargo transport and is expected to have a maximum takeoff weight of around 8,400 pounds and a payload capacity of up to 2,600 pounds. The U145 will have no physical cockpit and will be equipped with a specialized sensor suite and artificial intelligence for full autonomy. Airbus plans to display a full-scale mock-up of the U145 at the ILA Berlin airshow and aims for a first flight by the end of this year, with entry into service expected at the beginning of the next decade. The U145 is intended for both military and commercial applications, including disaster management, firefighting, and cargo conveyance. Airbus is betting that autonomous rotorcraft will become an increasingly important part of military operations, and the U145 is expected to enter a competitive marketplace.