Chapter 1: A Unique Helicopter Experience

In a remarkable demonstration of modern aviation, I found myself hovering in a large helicopter alongside Mark Ward, a former Coast Guard pilot. This 5.8-ton marvel, worth millions, was operated in a surprisingly hands-on manner, merging traditional piloting with cutting-edge technology.

With the lush greenery of the Housatonic River region framing our flight field in Stratford, Connecticut, I was introduced to a cockpit brimming with screens and controls. However, my focus was narrowed to just three essential elements: rudder pedals at my feet, a lever known as the collective to my left, and a stick called the cyclic positioned between my knees.

Ward, a seasoned pilot familiar with search and rescue HH-60J helicopters, guided me through the basics. The lesson was brief yet intense, lasting no more than five minutes. I began by experimenting with the rudder pedals, which allowed me to manipulate the helicopter's nose direction. Next, I learned to use the collective, altering the angle of the spinning rotors to ascend or descend. Finally, the cyclic gave me the ability to maneuver sideways or adjust our forward motion. By the end of the session, I was coordinating all three controls under Ward's real-time instructions, culminating in a celebratory fist bump after a smooth landing.

Despite the exhilaration, flying a helicopter is no simple task. Ward explained that mastering the art of hovering typically requires around 12 hours of flight training, while my experience was condensed into a mere five minutes. Achieving a stable hover is akin to balancing on a beach ball; any lateral movements necessitate compensatory adjustments in altitude or nose direction.

The first video, "Curti Zefhir Overview - The Safest Helicopter in the World! S6|E7," provides insights into the advanced safety features of this innovative aircraft.

Chapter 2: The Experimental Edge

What set this helicopter apart was its integration of simplified controls, referred to as inceptors. These included a wing-shaped device for vertical movements and a joystick for horizontal navigation, all connected to a sophisticated computerized motion planning system. This design enables individuals without traditional flying skills to operate the helicopter, merely by inputting commands.

Additionally, I was equipped with a tablet on my leg, interfacing with the helicopter's onboard computing system. The aircraft, known as the Sikorsky Autonomous Research Aircraft (SARA), serves as a testbed for autonomy and pilot assistance technologies intended for both commercial and military applications.

The second video, "Aerospace Students Enjoy Helicopter Fly-in Experience," showcases the excitement and learning opportunities for students in aviation.

The exterior of this S-76B is outfitted with radar and lidar sensors, providing it with a comprehensive understanding of its surroundings. Unlike conventional helicopters that rely solely on a basic radar altimeter, this helicopter can navigate around obstacles like hidden hills or ground vehicles, ensuring safer operations.

Sikorsky aims to enhance pilot efficiency by allowing them to focus on mission objectives rather than the complexities of flying. As Igor Cherepinsky, Sikorsky’s director of autonomy, pointed out, the future of piloting may involve flight-path management rather than direct control.

This experimental platform not only explores the potential for autonomy in flight but also considers how these advancements can be integrated into future production models. For military applications, retaining pilot control during critical operations is paramount, while commercial scenarios may involve more autonomous functionality, akin to self-driving cars.

In my flight experience, I primarily utilized the inceptors and tablet interface rather than traditional controls. After initial training in a ground-based command center, we took off, with Ward operating the engines. I practiced maneuvering the helicopter using the intuitive inceptor controls, which felt more like playing a video game. At one point, the ground staff even took over control as part of our training.

After navigating over the Housatonic River, I commanded the helicopter in circles above a tranquil pond, later instructing it to return using the tablet interface. A final challenge involved briefly hovering, a skill that requires precision and practice.

While the overall system showed room for improvement—particularly in tablet usability—the insights gained during this experience are invaluable. This endeavor is not just about flying; it’s about redefining the relationship between pilots and these advanced flying machines as we move into the future.