Unmanned Little Bird H-6U in flight

Unmanned Little Bird H-6U

This aircraft offers search, resupply, communications relay and surveillance, and more, all with a low-risk approach, low operational costs and high flight readiness

A little, innovative bird

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.

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

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