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
![Unmanned Little Bird H-6U in flight](/content/theboeingcompany/us/en/defense/unmanned-little-bird-h-6u/_jcr_content/root/container/container_710333297/carousel/image.coreimg.jpeg/1723587670389/ulb-gallery-lrg-01-960.jpeg)
![Unmanned Little Bird H-6U approaching boat](/content/theboeingcompany/us/en/defense/unmanned-little-bird-h-6u/_jcr_content/root/container/container_710333297/carousel/item_1706564007107.coreimg.jpeg/1723587691685/ulb-gallery-lrg-02-960.jpeg)
![Unmanned Little Bird H-6U in flight](/content/theboeingcompany/us/en/defense/unmanned-little-bird-h-6u/_jcr_content/root/container/container_710333297/carousel/item_1706564008437.coreimg.jpeg/1723587714236/ulb-gallery-lrg-03-960.jpeg)
![Unmanned Little Bird H-6U silhouetted against sunset](/content/theboeingcompany/us/en/defense/unmanned-little-bird-h-6u/_jcr_content/root/container/container_710333297/carousel/item_1706564009596.coreimg.jpeg/1723587756388/ulb-gallery-lrg-04-960.jpeg)
![Unmanned Little Bird H-6U in flight](/content/theboeingcompany/us/en/defense/unmanned-little-bird-h-6u/_jcr_content/root/container/container_710333297/carousel/item_1706564010813.coreimg.jpeg/1723587786304/ulb-gallery-lrg-05-960.jpeg)
![Unmanned Little Bird H-6U in flight](/content/theboeingcompany/us/en/defense/unmanned-little-bird-h-6u/_jcr_content/root/container/container_710333297/carousel/item_1706564011996.coreimg.jpeg/1723587811374/ulb-gallery-lrg-06-960.jpeg)
![Unmanned Little Bird H-6U in flight](/content/theboeingcompany/us/en/defense/unmanned-little-bird-h-6u/_jcr_content/root/container/container_710333297/carousel/item_1706564013311.coreimg.jpeg/1723587832661/ulb-gallery-lrg-07-960.jpeg)
![Unmanned Little Bird H-6U in flight](/content/theboeingcompany/us/en/defense/unmanned-little-bird-h-6u/_jcr_content/root/container/container_710333297/carousel/item_1706564014691.coreimg.jpeg/1723587855892/ulb-gallery-lrg-08-960.jpeg)
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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