ASU completes Bell 47 upgrade for Wildhorse UAV monitoring missions

Aviation Specialties Unlimited (ASU) has completed cockpit modifications on a Bell 47 helicopter operated by Wildhorse Helicopters (WHH), supporting advanced night operations for uncrewed aerial vehicle (UAV) testing.

The upgraded aircraft is being used in a program commissioned by an online retail delivery company to evaluate UAV performance in realistic nighttime environments. The project focuses on improving safety and operational capability as UAV and uncrewed aircraft systems (UAS) continue to expand into increasingly complex airspace.

WHH is conducting controlled flights alongside UAVs, capturing imagery of delivery operations and obstacle-rich scenarios. The data collected is used to refine perception algorithms that enable UAVs to detect and avoid other aircraft, particularly in low-visibility conditions.

ASU’s modifications enhance pilot situational awareness through night vision goggles (NVG) compatibility, allowing safer identification of UAV platforms during nocturnal missions while also supporting algorithm training.

WHH brings specialist experience to the program, including UAV chase operations, collision avoidance simulations, high-altitude observation flights, radar testing, and sling-load deployment of unpowered UAVs.

The initiative aims to advance UAV integration into congested airspace, with a long-term goal of enabling safe and reliable nighttime delivery operations.