Giving a guided tour of the mock-up search and rescue helicopter, two former USAF pararescumen today showed reporters the ins and outs of the helicopter. One demonstrated how a CSAR crew could perform live gunnery operations right next to the side door where the hoist and rescue ladder are stationed. The crew can also hoist in a litter while extricating personnel via the door’s ladder. The rear bay door allows near-360-degree firing for any older weapons (from .50 caliber weapons to M60s) and permits access to vehicles, such as ATVs or small boats. Inside, the cabin can be quickly configured to carry up to nine litters. The crew can monitor information via on-board network displays, tapping in to personnel medical records, topographical maps, or UAV and FLIR data, according to Lockheed Martin’s Fred Keller.
Lockheed Martin’s proposed autonomous drone, called Vectis, is still on track to fly a prototype by the end of 2027, an official from the company’s Skunk Works division said Sept. 10, and the firm already started work on four more Vectis aircraft.
