– Airbus and Singapore’s Defence Science and Technology Agency (DSTA) have completed a pioneering HTeaming flight campaign at a Singapore airbase, marking the first time an Airbus Flexrotor unmanned aerial system (UAS) operated alongside the Republic of Singapore Air Force’s (RSAF) H225M helicopter.
The campaign followed a June agreement to explore how manned-unmanned teaming can enhance situational awareness and mission outcomes through live flight demonstrations.
Trials conducted in January using simulated scenarios showed that a manned helicopter can securely access real-time data from a UAS, significantly extending visual range and improving mission safety. In a search-and-rescue scenario, the H225M and Flexrotor worked together to provide enhanced situational awareness for the crew.
Airbus designed the HTeaming system and integrated it into the H225M, including specialised data-link architectures. This enabled the helicopter crew to receive and process live data from the Flexrotor while retaining command and control of the UAS. The setup supported faster decision-making and reduced crew exposure to high-risk environments.
Ang Jer Meng, Director Air Systems at DSTA, said the demonstration highlights DSTA’s commitment to innovation and industry collaboration to strengthen RSAF capabilities while keeping human decision-making central to operations.
Olivier Michalon, Executive Vice President of Global Business at Airbus Helicopters, described the teaming as a step forward for tactical operations, enabling commanders with improved awareness in complex missions.
Airbus HTeaming is a modular, UAS-agnostic solution compatible across the Airbus helicopter range, allowing crews to control different unmanned platforms in flight.
The Flexrotor is a 25 kg VTOL UAS designed for long-endurance ISTAR missions, capable of autonomous launch and recovery from land or sea within a small footprint.
The H225, part of the Super Puma family, is known for its range, payload, advanced avionics and global military service.
Source: Airbus