Boeing lands Chinook without a pilot at the controls
Boeing successfully landed a U.S. Army CH-47 Chinook autonomously, showcasing the Army's commitment to autonomous aircraft. Utilizing Boeing's A2X software, the Chinook executed its final approach and landing with pre-set parameters. This capability aims to reduce pilot workload, allowing crews to focus on mission-critical tasks, while the Army continues to develop its future long-range assault aircraft, the MV-75 Cheyenne II.
US Army wants doctrine for landing helicopters on Arctic ice
U.S. Army's Engineering Research and Development Center (ERDC) is developing doctrine for landing helicopters on ice, expanding operational zones by 20-25%. A recent test with a CH-47 Chinook on 21 inches of ice challenges outdated standards requiring 31 inches. This research, initiated by Jenna Williams, aims to enhance cold weather operations amid increasing Arctic tensions with China and Russia.