The Unmanned Little Bird H-6U is the unmanned variant of the AH-6i manned scout helicopter. Its unique design combines the autonomous flight capability, networked payloads and communications of an unmanned aerial vehicle with a combat-proven rotorcraft platform. The unmanned system provides over-the-horizon search, resupply and retrograde, communications relay and surveillance capabilities. All with a low-risk approach, low operational costs and high flight readiness on a proven platform.
A little, innovative bird
Unmanned Little Bird H-6U technical specifications
| Rotor Diameter | 27.5 ft. (8.38 m) | Max Speed | 145 KTAS |
| Ceiling | 20,000 ft. (6,100 m) | Empty Weight | 2,200 lb. (998 kg) manned, 1,900 lb. (862 kg) unmanned |
| Useful Payload | 1,200 lb. (544 kg) manned, 1,400 lb. (635 kg) unmanned |
Command Link | Ku-band TCDL |
| Electrical Power | 11 kW at 28 Vdc | Command and Control | STANAG 4586 Compliant |
| Endurance | About 6 hours | Mission Planning | Prelaunch and dynamic during mission |
| Autonomy | Waypoint control from takeoff to landing | Navigation | Fixed (land-based) or relative (sea-based) |
Unmanned Little Bird gallery
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Quick facts
- Has 27.5-foot (8.38-meter) main rotor diameter with blade fold capability
- Based on a Federal Aviation Administration and military-qualified manned platform
- Can demonstrate compliance to be under Category I and II MTCR levels
- Capable of flying missions autonomously from takeoff to landing with very high precision and accuracy
- Features an open architecture design that allows U.S.-government-approved design enhancements to be incorporated easily
- Leverages existing logistics, documentation and training of the manned helicopter platform