Airbus and Singapore’s DSTA successfully completed a pioneering flight campaign by bringing together the Flexrotor UAV and the RSAF H225M helicopter for the first time under the HTeaming concept.
Airbus and Singapore’s Defence Science and Technology Agency (DSTA) successfully completed a pioneering HTeaming flight campaign conducted at an airbase in Singapore. The demonstration flight enabled, for the first time, the Airbus Flexrotor uncrewed aerial system (UAS) and a Republic of Singapore Air Force (RSAF) H225M helicopter to operate together under the crewed–uncrewed teaming concept.
Enhanced Mission Safety with Real-Time Data
As part of the collaboration launched following the agreement signed in June last year, trials conducted in January using simulated scenarios demonstrated that a crewed helicopter could securely access real-time data from an uncrewed aerial vehicle.
This capability significantly extended the helicopter’s line of sight and provided enhanced situational awareness during search and rescue missions. During the flight demonstration, the H225M and Flexrotor performed coordinated operations, highlighting the operational value of the concept.
Integration and System Design by Airbus
Within the scope of the collaboration, Airbus undertook the design of the HTeaming system and its integration into the H225M helicopter, including dedicated data link architectures. Thanks to this integration, the helicopter crew was able to:
- Maintain direct command and control of the Flexrotor,
- Receive and process real-time data from the UAV,
- Achieve faster and safer decision-making capabilities in high-risk environments.
This synergy increased mission effectiveness while reducing crew exposure to hazardous areas.
DSTA: “Human Decision-Making Remains Central to Operations”
Ang Jer Meng, Director of Air Systems at DSTA, commented on the collaboration:
“The successful flight demonstration highlights DSTA’s commitment to innovation and its strong partnerships with industry. This effort enhances RSAF’s operational effectiveness while ensuring that human decision-making remains at the centre of operations.”
Airbus: “A Game Changer for Modern Tactical Operations”
Olivier Michalon, Executive Vice President Global Business at Airbus Helicopters, stated:
“This flight campaign clearly demonstrates how dual-use technologies can support safer operations. HTeaming provides air commanders with unprecedented situational awareness in complex and high-risk missions.”
About HTeaming and the Platforms
Airbus HTeaming has been designed as a modular crewed–uncrewed teaming solution compatible with the entire Airbus helicopter family. Its platform-agnostic structure allows integration with various UAVs and provides helicopter crews with full control over UAVs during flight.
Flexrotor is a VTOL UAV with a 25 kg maximum take-off weight, optimised for ISTAR missions with an endurance of up to 12–14 hours. Its ability to operate autonomously from land or sea makes it ideal for reconnaissance and surveillance missions.
The H225 / H225M, the latest member of the Super Puma family, stands out with its high performance, long range, and payload capacity. More than 360 H225/H225M helicopters worldwide have accumulated over one million flight hours in total.
