Charles Alcock is managing editor of the AIN Media Group, having rejoined the company in 2019. He has been an aviation journalist since 1986, and previously worked for AIN from 1990 to 2017, most recently as editor-in-chief. His main focus is on covering new aviation technology and business models, as well as international news.
Having been raised in the London area, Alcock studied at the University of Manchester in the UK and earned an honors degree in Politics and Modern History. He speaks English and French, and some German.

Managing Editor

Charles Alcock

Robinson Helicopter Company is working with automated flight controls specialist Skyryse to integrate its SkyOS autonomy system into an R66 rotorcraft to convert it into an uncrewed air system (UAS) for defense applications. Skyryse announced the collaboration on Wednesday, explaining that it will work with the Robinson's new UAS subsidiary.
The partners are aiming to develop what the U.S. military categorizes as a Group 4 UAS, which typically weighs over 1,320 pounds and operates up to 18,000 feet, and are intended to operate at theater or joint task force level. Intended applications for the autonomous helicopter could include a collaborative combat aircraft role, or as a platform for launching small expendable drones, crewed-uncrewed teaming, and intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance.
Robinson and Skyryse are located less than 30 miles from each other in Southern California. The partners did not say when they intend to start flying a prototype of the uncrewed R66 or when they are targeting service entry for the large drone.
According to Skyryse, it has seen strong interest in what it calls "software-defined flight and autonomous capabilities" from multiple parties in the defense sector. In January, the U.S. Army contracted the company to explore the potential for its <a href="https://www.ainonline.com/aviation-news/futureflight/2025-01-16/us-army-evaluates-optionally-piloted-flight-deck-helicopters">Sikorsky Black Hawk helicopters</a> to be optionally-piloted through a Cooperative Research and Development Agreement.
“Defense agencies need autonomous aircraft that are reliable, affordable and available now, not years from now,” said Skyryse founder and CEO Mark Groden. “Robinson gives us the production infrastructure to deliver at scale and at a cost point that meets real-world, time-critical needs. This partnership accelerates our ability to put proven, SkyOS-powered autonomous aircraft into the hands of defense operators.”
<h2>Autonomy or Remote Piloting</h2>
The SkyOS platform has been designed to support both fully autonomous missions and others that can be remotely piloted from the ground. "The least automated option we’d offer is SkyOS on the ground where a user can fly the aircraft from the SkyOS simplified aircraft controls on the ground instead of in the cockpit," a Skyryse spokesperson explained to AIN. "This is significantly more autonomous than any remotely operated drone. SkyOS offers higher levels of autonomy as well and we’ll share more in the future."
Powered by a Rolls-Royce RR300 turboshaft engine, the R66 helicopter has a payload of around 900 pounds and a range of 260 nm. Current versions of the five-seat aircraft feature Garmin avionics and autopilot systems.
Skyryse was founded in 2016 and has raised more than $605 million to develop its universal <a href="https://www.ainonline.com/aviation-news/futureflight/2025-10-14/skyryses-skyos-takes-flight-cirrus-sr22">flight operations system</a>, which it has previously tested on R22 and R44 rotorcraft, logging several thousand hours. Robinson launched its <a href="https://www.ainonline.com/aviation-news/business-aviation/2026-03-10/unmanned-could-be-biggest-robinson-business-unit">Uncrewed business unit</a> at the Verticon show in March 2026.
“By integrating SkyOS into Robinson’s production ecosystem, we’re helping bring advanced autonomy to a proven aircraft platform while creating a scalable pathway for future operational capabilities,” commented Robinson Helicopter president and CEO David Smith.

News and developments about everything that goes into the cabin of an aircraft, from floor coverings to headliners, with a special emphasis on in-flight entertainment, communications and other electronics for passengers. If it is in the cabin of an aircraft, it’s covered here.

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