Skyryse, which is developing the SkyOS digitized aircraft operating system, is partnering with United Rotorcraft to support the maintenance of SkyOS modified helicopters and introduce SkyOS programs for Airbus H125 and H130 and Sikorsky Black Hawk helicopters. The first SkyOS helicopter—Skyryse One—is a single-control, fly-by-wire upgrade to the Robinson R66, enabling automatic takeoff and landing and fully envelope-protected flight.

The Black Hawk SkyOS program is being done under contracts with the U.S. Army and ACE Aeronautics to integrate the system into that helicopter. 

“Our collaboration with United Rotorcraft represents a significant step forward in making aviation safer and more capable,” said Skyrse founder and CEO Mark Groden. “Adding United Rotorcraft to the team gives us additional scale to deploy SkyOS more quickly and efficiently across multiple aircraft.” The two companies also see opportunities to expand the maintenance support agreement for other aircraft platforms. 

“Safety shouldn’t be reserved for those who can afford it,” said United Rotorcraft president Larry Alexandre. “We see SkyOS as becoming an industry standard and are excited to be accelerating the speed of adoption across existing rotorcraft fleets.”