HTeaming

HTeaming is Airbus' modular crewed-uncrewed teaming solution enabling helicopter crews to command and control uncrewed aerial systems (UAS) whilst in flight. Through a tablet-based Human-Machine Interface, helicopter crews task UAS operations, surveillance, reconnaissance, search patterns, without dedicated UAS operator requirements. The system operates standalone (cabin-mounted tablet, software, modem, four antennas) or integrates into existing helicopter mission system architecture. HTeaming is UAS-agnostic, controlling any uncrewed platform including Airbus U070, U030 Flexrotor, commercial drones, or third-party military systems. Designed for compatibility across the entire Airbus helicopter range and adaptable to non-Airbus platforms.

HTeaming enables helicopter crews to control UAS through an intuitive tablet-based interface using familiar touchscreen gestures, tap, swipe, drag-and-drop, eliminating complex uncrewed systems training. Crews task UAS flight paths, sensor positions, and data collection missions whilst maintaining primary helicopter control. Real-time UAS telemetry, sensor feeds, and flight status display on tablet screens or integrate into helicopter mission system displays. The system comprises three components: UAS management software (flight planning, mission tasking), tablet-based HMI (crew interface), and communication infrastructure (modem plus four antennas) enabling secure data exchange between helicopter and UAS throughout operations

HTeaming's modular design enables compatibility across the entire Airbus helicopter range through standalone or integrated installation. Validated operational demonstrations include H135, H145, H130, H225M, and H160 platforms. Standalone configuration (cabin-mounted tablet, software, modem, four antennas) supports retrofit on any helicopter type including non-Airbus platforms through minimal airframe modifications. Integrated configuration embeds software within helicopter mission systems and is optimised for platforms with advanced avionics. Singapore H225M and Spanish Navy H135 flight trials validated cross-platform compatibility. The system's helicopter-agnostic architecture enables deployment across light, medium, and heavy rotorcraft for both civil and military applications.

HTeaming is UAS-agnostic, controlling any uncrewed platform through standardised interfaces. Airbus UAS integration includes U070, maritime surveillance radar/Electro-Optical Systems/AIS receiver) and U030 Flexrotor. The system supports commercial surveillance drones, third-party military UAS, and future uncrewed platforms without helicopter modifications, crews select mission-appropriate assets (VTOL for ship operations, fixed-wing for wide-area reconnaissance) controlling through identical HTeaming interface. Real-time datalink architecture enables simultaneous multi-UAS operations: helicopter crews coordinate multiple unmanned assets whilst maintaining crewed platform control.

HTeaming supports retrofit installation on existing helicopters through standalone configuration requiring minimal airframe modifications. Installation comprises cabin-mounting tablet displays, installing UAS management software, and fitting communication modem plus four antennas. This approach enables rapid HTeaming deployment without helicopter downtime for extensive avionics integration. For deeper integration, HTeaming software embeds within existing helicopter mission systems enabling UAS control through cockpit Multi-Function Displays alongside helicopter sensors. Both installation pathways maintain helicopter certification status. Spanish Navy H135 and Singapore H225M demonstrations validated retrofit feasibility across different helicopter configurations.

HTeaming employs an intuitive tablet-based interface requiring minimal training time, helicopter crews familiar with smartphones and tablets adapt rapidly without extensive uncrewed systems specialisation. Touchscreen gestures (tap waypoint, swipe sensor view, drag flight path) eliminate complex command syntax. 

HTeaming displays present real-time UAS information through tablet screens or integrated cockpit Multi-Function Displays: UAS position, altitude, speed, heading, battery/fuel status; live sensor feeds (Electro-Optical imagery, radar returns, AIS contacts); mission progress (waypoint navigation, search pattern coverage); datalink status; and flight mode indicators. Helicopter crews view UAS sensor data alongside helicopter-based sensors creating a unified tactical picture. Map-based interface overlays UAS flight path, sensor coverage areas, and detected contacts enabling spatial awareness. Alert notifications inform crews of UAS status changes, sensor detections, or datalink degradation requiring attention whilst maintaining primary helicopter control focus.

HTeaming does not replace crew members, it extends existing helicopter crew capabilities by adding UAS control to their responsibilities. Helicopter crews maintain primary aircraft control, navigation, and mission command whilst tasking UAS operations through tablet interface. The intuitive design eliminates dedicated UAS operator requirements: crews manage both crewed platform and unmanned assets without additional personnel. This approach optimises crew resource allocation as helicopter pilots handle aviation tasks whilst crew members task UAS surveillance, reconnaissance, or search patterns. Human decision-making remains central: crews authorise UAS missions, evaluate sensor data, and maintain command authority throughout operations.

Standalone HTeaming installs cabin-mounted equipment (tablet HMI, UAS management software, modem, four antennas) requiring minimal helicopter modifications, enabling rapid deployment and retrofit compatibility. Crews operate UAS through dedicated tablet displays independent of helicopter avionics. Integrated HTeaming embeds software within helicopter mission system architecture, displaying UAS control through cockpit Multi-Function Displays alongside helicopter sensors and navigation data. Integrated configuration consolidates crew workflow: single display presents both helicopter and UAS information. Standalone suits rapid deployment and non-Airbus helicopters; integrated optimises crew efficiency on platforms with advanced mission systems (H145M, H160M, H225M, NH90).

HTeaming improves operational safety by deploying UAS into high-risk environments whilst helicopter crews maintain safe standoff distances. Uncrewed assets conduct reconnaissance in contested airspace, hazardous weather, contaminated areas, or hostile territory before helicopter exposure. Singapore H225M demonstration validated this principle: Flexrotor surveyed search areas whilst helicopter positioned for safe extraction. This separation enables intelligence gathering without crew risk as the UAS identifies threats, assesses conditions, or locates objectives before crewed intervention. Additionally, extended UAS endurance (U070 eight hours, U030 Flexrotor 12-14 hours versus typical 3-4 hour helicopter operations) maintains continuous coverage whilst crews rotate, reducing fatigue-related risks.