Autonomous Cargo Handling System

The AACUS is a sensor suite and software package designed to operate an unmanned rotary wing aircraft into and out of an unprepared landing site. Installation of the AACUS applique in the UH-1H and UH-1Y aircraft enables fully autonomous unmanned flight and cargo deliveries. A properly designed Autonomous Cargo Handling System (ACHS) working in cooperation with an AACUS optionally piloted aircraft will speed cargo transport operations, protect warfighters and increase operational efficiency. To realize these benefits, an effective and efficient ACHS must meet a variety of loading, balance and structural challenges while remaining as lightweight as possible to preserve payload capacity. The autonomy, sensing and software must be robust enough to adapt to changing weather and lighting conditions as well as varying aircraft attitudes in flight and on the ground. Our proposed ACHS consists of three primary components: a) a robot capable of carrying JMIC and other standard cargo pallets as well as fuel and water, b) a retractable ramp system, and c) an automatic door actuation system.