Old Mi-8 helicopters can get a second life as unmanned cargo helicopters. Engineers from the Aviadvigatel bureau have developed a system that allows these machines to be controlled from the ground or put into autonomous mode.
The scheme was described by designer Dmitry Motin. The system uses the helicopter's standard controls — special actuators independently move the stick, pedals, and levers instead of the pilot.
The onboard computer processes sensor data, and day and night vision cameras transmit images to the operator on the ground.
The installation of a remote control system, whose actuators are mechanically connected to the existing controls in the cockpit and to the helicopter's onboard systems, allows Mi-8 helicopters to be operated as an unmanned aerial vehicle.
The operator will be able to control takeoff, hovering, route, and landing. Autonomous flight according to a pre-set mission with continuous data exchange with the ground station is also provided.
However, a technician must still prepare the helicopter, start and check the engines, and perform the necessary procedures after landing. Motin reports successful experiments with prototypes on the Mi-8T.
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