Honeywell and Near Earth Autonomy Achieve Milestone with AW139 Helicopter Autonomous Flight

A New Era in Aerial Logistics: The First Autonomous Flight of the Leonardo AW139 Helicopter

In a groundbreaking achievement for aviation technology, Honeywell and Near Earth Autonomy have completed the first successful autonomous test flight of the Leonardo AW139 helicopter. This historic event, which took place in May 2025 in Phoenix, Arizona, marks a significant milestone not only for the U.S. Marine Corps Aerial Logistics Connector (ALC) program but for the future of uncrewed aerial systems.

The significance of this test cannot be overstated. It represents a leap toward the viability of autonomous aircraft capable of operating in contested environments without the need for an onboard pilot or remote operator. By harnessing advanced technology, Honeywell and Near Earth Autonomy have demonstrated that unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) can be both precise and reliable in logistics operations.

Bob Buddecke, president of Honeywell Aerospace Technologies, expressed that this demonstration opens new possibilities for the U.S. Marine Corps as well as other future helicopter operators. He stated, "Together with Near Earth Autonomy and Leonardo, we're showing how existing aircraft can be adapted with trusted avionics to support the next generation of defense logistics. Uncrewed aircraft will be vital in keeping service men and women as safe as possible in contested environments."

The ALC program, which is managed under a Naval Aviation Systems Consortium Other Transaction Agreement (OTA), aims to develop and deploy autonomous logistics systems that reduce risks to personnel while increasing the speed and scale of supply operations. The successful flight is just a first step in a series of tests that will expand autonomous capabilities, including automated obstacle avoidance and integration into military logistics workflows. These advancements are poised to enhance operational readiness and responsiveness in the field significantly.

Near Earth Autonomy’s CEO, Dr. Sanjiv Singh, also highlighted the broader implications of this successful test, noting that it showcases the company’s leadership in developing autonomy technologies for real-world operations. According to Singh, "By directly controlling the AW139's flight modes with our autonomy system, we've shown that scalable autonomous logistics using existing platforms is not just possible — it's happening now. This capability is essential for reducing risk to military personnel and ensuring resilient supply chains in the field."

Through this partnership, Honeywell aims to deliver an affordable, scalable, and certifiable autonomy solution for future missions. Their commitment involves engineering mission-critical systems designed for both retrofitting existing aircraft and equipping next-generation models. This innovative approach is crucial for meeting current operational demands while facilitating the long-term transition toward highly autonomous flight.

The intersection of technology and defense logistics represented by the AW139's autonomous flight offers a glimpse into the future of aviation. The potential applications of these systems extend beyond military logistics, with implications for commercial aviation and beyond. As Honeywell and Near Earth Autonomy continue to innovate, the aviation industry stands on the brink of a new era characterized by enhanced safety, efficiency, and reliability.

As we look ahead, it is clear that the integration of transformative technologies into aviation will dramatically affect how logistics are managed in various sectors, reaffirming the role of companies like Honeywell and Near Earth Autonomy as pivotal players in this evolution.

For more information on Honeywell's aerospace solutions and innovations, please visit honeywell.com/newsroom. Near Earth Autonomy also invites those interested in their groundbreaking technology to learn more at nearearth.aero.