#autonomous aircraft

All articles tagged with "autonomous aircraft"

Solar Impulse 2 crashes in Gulf of Mexico during unmanned test flight

Solar Impulse 2 crashes during autonomous test flight in the Gulf of Mexico

Solar Impulse 2, the solar aircraft that once circled the globe, was lost in the Gulf of Mexico after a power failure during an unmanned Skydweller Aero test, marking a setback for long-endurance solar aviation.

Key Takeaways

Solar Impulse 2 crashed on May 4 during an unmanned Skydweller Aero test flight.
Preliminary reporting says the aircraft lost power shortly after takeoff from Stennis International Airport.

DT Editorial Team·May 13, 2026·via pv-magazine.com

Shield AI and GE Reveal Redesigned X-BAT Autonomous VTOL Fighter Drone

Shield AI and GE Aerospace have disclosed new details about X-BAT, a jet-powered autonomous stealth drone designed for vertical takeoff and tail-first landing.

Key Takeaways

Shield AI and GE Aerospace disclosed new X-BAT details at Sea-Air-Space 2026.
The autonomous jet-powered stealth drone is intended to take off vertically and land tail first.

DT Editorial Team·Apr 23, 2026·via twz.com

R66 Turbinetruck Ditches the Cockpit for Cargo

Robinson's pilotless R66 Turbinetruck replaces its cockpit with clamshell cargo doors, targeting military and commercial autonomous logistics.

Key Takeaways

Robinson replaces R66 cockpit with cargo bay for autonomous freight delivery
Targets military resupply missions to reduce human risk in combat zones

DT Editorial Team·Mar 12, 2026·4 min read·via newatlas.com

US Air Force Taps Honeywell to Build Engines for Autonomous Drone Wingmen

The US Air Force has awarded Honeywell a prototype contract to adapt its SkyShot 1600 engine for the Collaborative Combat Aircraft program. The compact engine will power autonomous drone wingmen designed to fly alongside piloted fighter jets in contested airspace.

DT Editorial Team·Feb 25, 2026·4 min read·via c4isrnet.com