改变一切：美国无人机展亮点大放送

西科尔斯基公司的Matrix自动化直升机

    上周二，知名直升机制造商西科尔斯基公司（Sikorsky）公布了又一款重磅产品——一款经过数年努力研发出的自动化直升机。该公司高管表示，Matrix项目并不只是要制造一款能根据程序自动飞机的无人直升机。这个机型既允许操作人员遥控操作，另外如果机内有飞行人员的话，他可以从事其它与飞行有关的任务，而一般不需要较高水平的驾驶任务可以交给直升机自动完成。

    根据Matrix项目的未来愿景，将来该机型的飞行员更多扮演的是一个任务管理者的角色。他既可以在地面、也可以在直升机内执行任务。

Sikorsky's Matrix autonomous helicopter

    Last Tuesday, storied helicopter manufacturer Sikorsky announced a significant addition to its research and development portfolio, unveiling a multi-year initiative to develop technology for autonomous helicopter flight. The Matrix Technology program isn't just about building an unmanned helicopter that can be programmed to fly itself, company execs say. It will allow helicopters to be controlled remotely, or will allow pilots onboard to perform other flight-related tasks while the aircraft handles the low-level piloting of the helicopter.

    In the vision put forth by the Matrix program, pilots will become more like mission managers that will be able to conduct their duties either from the ground or from aboard the aircraft.