DARPA ALIAS tailored kit promises high levels of automation
NewsMarch 26, 2015
WASHINGTON. DARPA selected three companies for the Aircrew Labor In-Cockpit Automation System (ALIAS) contract to test out phase one capabilities. ALIAS looks to have a tailored, drop-in, and removable kit that will enable high levels of automation, resulting in reduced pilot workload, increased mission performance, and improved aircraft safety.
The three companies under contract with DARPA are: Aurora Flight Sciences Corp., Lockheed Martin Corp., and Sikorsky Aircraft Corp. The companies will perform actual ground and flight demonstration from the get-go to develop ALIAS capabilities faster.
Phase 1 of ALIAS will focus on three aspects of the technology: minimizing interface between new automation system and the existing aircraft; aircraft operation knowledge to support ALIAS toolkit; and a human-machine interface that reduces pilot’s constant supervision.