Robinson Helicopter Launches Unmanned Division, Envisions Next-Gen Helo Drones

The new Robinson Unmanned division will partner with Ascent AeroSystems to provide a range of commercial and military drones.

Published on Mar. 10, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

Robinson Helicopter has announced the launch of a new division called Robinson Unmanned, which will partner with subsidiary Ascent AeroSystems to provide a 'full suite' of remotely piloted and autonomous drones for commercial and military applications. The new drones will range from Group 1 to Group 4 categories, with the Group 3 and 4 models derived from Robinson's existing R44 and R66 helicopter platforms. Robinson Unmanned is also involved in a 'developmental program' with the Defense Department to incorporate Sikorsky's MATRIX autonomy suite into the R66 Turbinetruck, a 'next-generation' unmanned cargo helicopter.

Why it matters

The launch of Robinson Unmanned represents the company's strategic move to diversify into the rapidly growing unmanned aerial systems (UAS) market, leveraging its expertise in helicopter design and manufacturing. This partnership with Ascent AeroSystems allows Robinson to offer a range of drones that can serve both commercial and military needs, potentially positioning the company as a key player in the evolving UAS landscape. The collaboration with Sikorsky on the R66 Turbinetruck project also highlights the increasing convergence between traditional helicopter manufacturers and the unmanned systems sector.

The details

Robinson Unmanned will provide Group 1 through Group 4 drones, excluding only the largest Group 5 category. The Group 3 and 4 drones will be derived from Robinson's existing R44 and R66 helicopter models, similar to Lockheed Martin's Sikorsky UHawk program that converts Black Hawk helicopters into unmanned platforms. Robinson Unmanned is also working with the Defense Department on a 'developmental program' to incorporate Sikorsky's MATRIX autonomy suite into the R66 Turbinetruck, a 'next-generation' unmanned cargo helicopter designed for defense and logistics operations in contested environments.

  • Robinson Helicopter announced the launch of Robinson Unmanned on March 10, 2026.

The players

Robinson Helicopter

An American helicopter manufacturer that has now launched a new division called Robinson Unmanned to focus on the development and production of commercial and military drones.

Ascent AeroSystems

A subsidiary of Robinson Helicopter that will partner with the new Robinson Unmanned division to provide a range of remotely piloted and autonomous drones.

David Smith

The CEO and President of Robinson Helicopters, who announced the launch of the Robinson Unmanned division.

Paul Fermo

The current president of Ascent AeroSystems, who will serve as the president of the new Robinson Unmanned division.

Rich Benton

The vice president and general manager for Sikorsky, who stated that the Turbinetruck and UHawk programs will serve as 'complementary bookends' to the commercial and defense industry.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“We wanted to draw on the Robinson heritage, the Robinson name, and make sure that folks understand we're here to stay. This will be the next 100 years, probably, of business and pursuit for us in parallel to our helicopters, using all the stuff we've built here.”

— David Smith, CEO and President of Robinson Helicopters (breakingdefense.com)

“I think it says a lot that two people that could be considered competitors are collaborating on this very important mission for the Department of War. We want to save lives, and I think this is really a lot about the lessons learned from Iraq and Afghanistan that led to so many injuries and casualties for logistics chain resupply and all the convoys that were targets of the adversaries.”

— David Smith, CEO and President of Robinson Helicopters (breakingdefense.com)

“With every new platform we welcome into the MATRIX family, we widen the network of uncrewed systems to serve a variety of civil and military missions.”

— Rich Benton, Vice President and General Manager for Sikorsky (breakingdefense.com)

What’s next

Robinson Unmanned is currently involved with the Defense Department for a 'developmental program' for its R66 Turbinetruck, which the company describes as a 'next-generation' unmanned cargo helicopter designed for defense and logistics operations in contested environments. Through this program, Robinson Unmanned will incorporate Sikorsky's MATRIX autonomy suite into the Turbinetruck.

The takeaway

The launch of Robinson Unmanned represents a strategic move by the helicopter manufacturer to diversify into the rapidly growing unmanned aerial systems market, leveraging its expertise in helicopter design and manufacturing. By partnering with Ascent AeroSystems and collaborating with Sikorsky, Robinson is positioning itself as a key player in the evolving UAS landscape, offering a range of commercial and military drone solutions that can serve a variety of missions.