Volz Servos recently entered into a strategic partnership with Piasecki Aircraft Corporation to support the development of one of the world’s most advanced rotorcraft autonomy initiatives, the Adaptive Digital Automated Pilotage Technology (ADAPT) program.
Designed to enhance rotorcraft survivability in complex and high-risk mission environments, the ADAPT program integrates intelligent flight control and autonomous decision-making capabilities. Key features include Return-to-Base functionality, Leader-Follower coordination, and Safe Landing Area Determination (SLAD). These systems enable aircraft to maintain operational effectiveness even in the event of pilot incapacitation or system damage, marking a significant leap forward in the safety and resilience of future rotorcraft platforms.
As part of this initiative, Volz’s DA 30-HT-D-MCCS OPV actuators will be deployed on the CoAX 2D demonstrator, an optionally piloted helicopter developed by EDM Aerotec. These actuators feature dual-channel redundancy and an electromagnetic clutch for manual override, delivering both exceptional reliability and precision control essential for autonomous and optionally piloted operations.
Chris DiMarco, ADAPT Program Manager at Piasecki, said, “Volz’s actuators provide the perfect mix of capability, reliability, and redundancy needed for our optionally piloted aircraft. Their partnership has been instrumental in advancing the ADAPT program and enabling its next phase. Our work not only supports military applications but also lays the foundation for next-gen commercial rotorcraft.”
Phillipp Volz, CEO of Volz Servos, added, “We are proud to support the ADAPT program with our advanced actuator technology. This collaboration marks a major step forward in rotorcraft safety and performance, and we look forward to a long-term partnership with Piasecki.”
Flight testing of the CoAX 2D is scheduled for later this year, following successful simulations of core ADAPT capabilities like Fly-to-Optimal maneuvering, Damage-Tolerant Control, and Vehicle Maneuvering Optimization.
