DARPA and foolproof helicopter
 

You can now fly a helicopter with just 45 minutes of training

https://moretrending.com/you-can-now...s-of-training/

Helicopters are now foolproof thanks to US Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA). Together with Lockheed Martin they have rebuilt a commercial helicopter so that almost anyone can fly it.

Simple instructions from your tablet

"We also had a non-pilot who trained every 45 minutes to get the plane up and running for almost an hour," said Sikorsky's autonomy director Igor Cherepinsky.The interface for flying the Sikorsky S-76 helicopter is managed by a tablet whose interface is called The Matrix. It's not as easy as dodging bullets, but it can fly a helicopter successfully. While pilots were still pilots in Virginia during the test flights, LIDAR cameras are used to launch, land and avoid obstacles.

But how did this program start? The beginning of alias, The mission is part of a program developed by DARPA called Aircrew Laboratory In-Cockpit Automation System (ALIAS). The demonstration started in January 2016, with the user tapping the basic instructions and the computer doing the rest. When it came to more precision, the pilots could control the computer with a joystick-like "inceptor" instead of using hands and feet. The computer then converted its broad commands into specific settings for the controls.

"It really is like a co-pilot, it can fly routes, it can plan routes, it can run emergency procedures – and it can all be perfect," said DARPA program manager Graham Drozeski.Optionally, manned missions are just the beginning for DARPA and Lockheed Martin. The future of self-propelled helicoptersThe $ 8 million research program seeks to create an optional manned unmanned flight experience to reduce the pilot's work.

Break defenseLockheed Martin and DARPA are now working to put together a similar system in a Black Hawk helicopter.

"Foolproof" might not be enough.

"Idiot-proof" might be needed.

I'd like to see them fly it with their hands wet. Heavens help them if they happen to sneeze on their tablet and become children of the green line.

So what's wrong with the current 30 hr syllabus? Fouling spark plugs, weak battery, binding controls, knotted belts, failed fuel pumps, carby icing, even engine fire were just some of the issues I experienced in my learning environment.

All operated by "foolproof" software?

Plenty of "fools" out there to "proof" you wrong! Me for one!

The trouble with inventing something that is "idiot proof" is that someone then invents a better idiot!

You know the old saying.

Every time you think you have made something "fool-proof" you just meet a better class of fool.

Pray God they do not use Windows as an Operating System!:ouch:

Back in 1996, Sikorsky did a demo at Ft Benning with the Cypher UAV. They trained a couple of MPs for about 45 minutes, and proceeded to fly a bunch of demos at their MOUT site. Precision drops, reconnaissance, auto takeoffs and landings. Way ahead of its time. Sikorsky seems to have forgotten about the original autonomy team.

Edit: the Igor mentioned in the article was a Linux guy - no worries about windows!