Q&A · 45:17-47:00

Should troop-transport helicopters keep human crews?

The closing question separates missions suited to uncrewed naval aviation from troop transport, where human control is expected to remain especially important.

Question

In future naval rotary aviation, which missions can become uncrewed, and should troop-transport helicopters still have a human at the controls?

Short answer

ASW, airborne early warning, and reconnaissance may move toward uncrewed aircraft. Troop transport is more likely to keep human crews because commandos' lives depend directly on the aircraft staying airborne.

Notes

Uncrewed aircraft could take on anti-submarine warfare, airborne early warning, and reconnaissance. Crewed aircraft might coordinate those systems while operating farther from the ship. Future troop transports could be optionally crewed and capable of computer-controlled flight. Once commandos or other troops are aboard, however, their lives depend on the aircraft remaining airborne. That occupied lift mission is the strongest case here for keeping a human at the flying controls.