Sikorsky has unveiled the Nomad VTOL drone series featuring a tail frame and dual-propeller power system. The lineup includes aircraft the size of a medium-lift S-70 Black Hawk helicopter, designed for maritime and land missions, including reconnaissance, light attacks, and combat logistics, enabling operations without relying on runways.
“Nomad represents the next generation of long-range autonomous unmanned aerial vehicles for Sikorsky,” said Dan Shidler, Director of Advanced Programs. The dual-propeller design combines VTOL (vertical take-off and landing) capabilities typical of helicopters with the speed and range of fixed-wing aircraft. These drones can take off and land vertically, transition to horizontal flight for extended missions, and hover for logistical or firefighting operations.
The Nomad series includes four drone sizes with varying speed, flight endurance, and payload capacities. Smaller models use a hybrid-electric propulsion system, while larger ones rely on a conventional drivetrain. All drones are equipped with the autonomous MATRIX system, which has been previously tested on the Black Hawk helicopter.
The smallest Nomad 50 is currently undergoing extended flight testing and has a wingspan of 3.14 meters. The Nomad 100, a Group 3 model, has a wingspan of 5.49 meters and is in ground testing, with its first flight expected in the coming months. Group 4 drones are designed for a payload capacity of approximately 227 kg, allowing for the integration of larger sensors and armaments, including up to four Hellfire missiles or two SDB bombs.
“We use the term ‘family’ to highlight the scalability from Group 3 up to Black Hawk-sized models,” said Rich Benton, Vice President and General Manager of Sikorsky. The Nomad is capable of conducting both land and maritime missions, complementing manned helicopters and enhancing strategic capabilities in the Indo-Pacific region.
Group 3 drones are intended for reconnaissance and surveillance tasks similar to those performed by the RQ-7 Shadow, while Group 4 models offer capabilities comparable to the MQ-1C Gray Eagle, including ISR, cargo delivery, and the use of kinetic and non-kinetic effects. Smaller Nomad drones are equipped with a hybrid-electric propulsion system to improve fuel efficiency, and their modular design facilitates maintenance in field conditions.
Sikorsky is also exploring larger Nomad variants for cargo and passenger transport featuring variable‑geometry wings. All variants are adapted for launch from constrained sites, including naval vessels, which aligns with the Pentagon’s strategy to reduce reliance on runways.
Source: TWZ
