Honeywell and Near Earth Autonomy have completed the first autonomous test flight of a Leonardo AW139 helicopter. The test, which took place in Phoenix, Arizona in May, was conducted as part of the U.S. Marine Corps Aerial Logistics Connector (ALC) program. This achievement marks an important step toward uncrewed, autonomous aircraft that can operate without pilots or remote operators.
During the demonstration, key autopilot modes of Honeywell’s AW139 were controlled by Near Earth’s onboard autonomy software without any pilot input. This allowed for precise flight control and autonomous decision-making.
“Not only is this successful demonstration a major step in creating brand new possibilities for the USMC, but it also creates a potential pathway for use by other helicopter operators as well,” said Bob Buddecke, president, Electronic Solutions, Honeywell Aerospace Technologies. “Together with Near Earth Autonomy and Leonardo, we’re showing how existing aircraft can be adapted with trusted avionics to support the next generation of defense logistics. Uncrewed aircraft will be vital in keeping service men and women as safe as possible in contested environments, and we are one step closer to realizing that vision.”
The ALC program is managed under a Naval Aviation Systems Consortium Other Transaction Agreement (OTA), with Near Earth Autonomy serving as a prime performer. The goal is to develop autonomous aerial logistics systems that reduce risk to personnel while increasing speed and scale of supply operations. Upcoming tests plan to expand capabilities such as automated obstacle avoidance and integration into military logistics workflows.
“This flight showcases Near Earth Autonomy’s leadership in developing trusted autonomy for real-world operations,” said Dr. Sanjiv Singh, CEO of Near Earth Autonomy. “By directly controlling the AW139’s flight modes with our autonomy system, we’ve shown that scalable autonomous logistics using existing platforms is not just possible — it’s happening now. This capability is essential for reducing risk to military personnel and ensuring resilient supply chains in the field.”
Honeywell’s collaboration with Near Earth Autonomy aims to create an affordable and certifiable autonomy solution suitable for both retrofit and next-generation aircraft missions.
Honeywell Aerospace Technologies provides products found on nearly all commercial, defense, space aircraft, and various terrestrial systems. Their offerings include engines, electronics for cockpits and cabins, wireless connectivity systems, mechanical components, power systems, among others designed to improve efficiency and safety across aviation sectors (https://aerospace.honeywell.com).
The company operates globally across multiple industries through its Aerospace Technologies business unit along with Industrial Automation, Building Automation and Energy & Sustainability Solutions segments (https://www.honeywell.com/newsroom). Honeywell focuses on automation trends including aviation advancements supported by their Honeywell Accelerator operating system and Forge IoT platform.
Near Earth Autonomy specializes in technologies enabling aerial vehicles to take off autonomously, navigate complex areas safely avoiding obstacles while delivering payloads efficiently (https://www.nearearth.aero). Their technology supports both military objectives like those demonstrated during this test flight as well as commercial aviation needs.
