Introducing the Nomad Family: Sikorsky’s Autonomous VTOL Drones
Lockheed Martin’s Sikorsky division proudly presents the Nomad family of autonomous vertical take-off and landing (VTOL) drones. These innovative drones are specifically designed for runway-independent operations across a wide range of military and civilian applications. The Nomad family uniquely combines the versatility of a helicopter with the speed and range capabilities of fixed-wing aircraft.
The Nomad family is scalable, ranging from the Group 3 Nomad 100 with an 18-foot wingspan, to larger variants equivalent to a Black Hawk helicopter footprint. The Nomad 100 is currently undergoing rigorous ground testing, with its first flight anticipated in the near future. All aircraft in the Nomad family utilize Sikorsky’s MATRIX autonomy technology and predominantly feature hybrid-electric propulsion systems.
The potential military applications for these drones are vast, including reconnaissance, light attack, and contested logistics missions. With the Pentagon’s growing emphasis on runway independence, these aircraft are particularly valuable for operations where traditional airfield infrastructure may be compromised. Sikorsky has already successfully flight-tested the smaller Nomad 50 prototype, boasting a 10.3-foot wingspan.
Source: Lockheed Martin