Singapore’s Defence Science and Technology Agency (DSTA) has signed an agreement with Airbus Helicopters on crewed-uncrewed teaming capabilities with the H225M Medium Lift helicopter operated by the Republic of Singapore Air Force (RSAF) and Airbus Helicopters’ Flexrotor uncrewed aerial system (UAS). The partnership aims to explore how crewed-uncrewed teaming can enhance situational awareness and improve mission outcomes through a flight demonstration. Airbus’ brand new crewed-uncrewed teaming system, HTeaming, will be integrated on board the RSAF’s H225M, allowing its crew to take full control of the Flexrotor. The operational demonstration will be set up to show the efficiency of Airbus’ teaming solution and the added value of cooperation between crewed helicopters and uncrewed aerial systems. Airbus recently unveiled HTeaming, a modular crewed-uncrewed teaming system. The system currently features a modem, four antennas, a tablet and software.
“Crewed-uncrewed teaming offers the great potential to support more effective air operations in complex environments. Working with Airbus Helicopters, we will be able to combine our engineering expertise to unlock new possibilities in helicopter-drone integration. This synergistic combination of manned platforms and autonomous systems will be a true force multiplier,” said DSTA’s Chief Executive Mr Ng Chad-Son.
“The collaboration between helicopters and UAS is a revolution in how we approach mission effectiveness. Synergising the strengths of highly skilled pilots with the advanced capabilities of uncrewed systems unlocks unprecedented operational flexibility. Working with operators to mature these technologies and test our solutions with real life demonstrations is very important. The H225M is a proven platform which has been tailored for complex missions like search and rescue by night in rough weather conditions. The Republic of Singapore Air Force has demonstrated on multiple occasions that it masters the capabilities of this aircraft. I am sure that by working with Singapore’s DSTA and the RSAF we will be able to demonstrate the added value of teaming and how it can further extend the capabilities of the H225M,” said Bruno Even, CEO of Airbus Helicopters.
The H225M Medium Lift helicopter is a modern multi-role helicopter that replaced the Republic of Singapore Air Force (RSAF)’s existing fleet of AS332M Super Pumas, which have been in service since 1985. The H225M helicopter has approximately 20% longer range, and is able to meet the Singapore Armed Forces’ lift and reach requirements more efficiently. With its high load capacity, easy cabin access, combined with fast cruise speed, long range and in-flight agility, the H225M helicopter provides the flexibility needed for the RSAF to be more effective and capable in meeting operational demands, inclusive of operations such as Search and Rescue, aeromedical evacuation and Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief operations.
