Since they were first created for military applications in the early 1900s, unmanned aerial vehicles, or UAVs, have existed. Although not all of the models that fall under this category are the same, this phrase may be used to describe any kind of remotely piloted vehicle. Actually, there are a few varieties of UAVs available for either personal or commercial usage.

Sikorsky has successfully piloted a drone prototype that travels like an airliner but takes off vertically like a helicopter. Sikorsky, a division of defense company Lockheed Martin, refers to the 52 kilogram, battery-operated uncrewed aerial system (UAS) as having a “rotor-blown wing” configuration. By directing the backwash from the twin rotors or propellers over the wing surfaces, this design effectively lowers drag and increases air velocity, which permits lift.

To evaluate its operational stability and maneuverability while switching between flight modes, the 10.3-foot (three-meter) composite wingspan vertical take-off and landing (VTOL) prototype has undergone a series of flying tests.

It made over 40 successful takeoffs and landings in January 2025. “Our rotor-blown wing has proven to have the control power and special handling characteristics required to repeatedly and reliably transition from a hover to high-speed wing-borne cruise flight, and back again,” said Igor Cherepinsky, director of Sikorsky Innovations.

For this transition maneuver to be effective and smooth, new control regulations were needed. When expanded to far greater proportions, the data shows that we can function from pitching ship decks and unprepared ground.

Such an aircraft might be used for humanitarian response, pipeline surveillance, firefighting monitoring, and search and rescue.

“Combining the flight characteristics of helicopters and airplanes onto a flying wing reflects Sikorsky’s drive to innovate next-generation VTOL UAS aircraft that can fly faster and farther than traditional helicopters,” said Rich Benton, vice president and general manager of Sikorsky.

Risks associated with helicopters

Both the advantages and disadvantages of helicopters in contemporary combat have been made clear by the conflict between Russia and Ukraine. A number of IMH 2025 workshops emphasized important combat lessons:

Attack helicopters are becoming more vulnerable to electronic warfare threats, drone-based countermeasures, and MANPADS (man-portable air-defense systems). New defensive technology, better strategies, and stronger survival characteristics are required to mitigate these threats. Uncrewed system operations have become increasingly difficult due to electronic warfare and GPS jamming, necessitating the creation of more robust, self-governing guiding systems that can operate without continual human supervision.

Ukraine has embraced an agile, fast-development approach, using commercial off-the-shelf (COTS) technology and open-source software to swiftly implement new features.

Historically, NATO and Western military forces have prioritized long-term interoperability, security, and sustainability via a disciplined, standards-based strategy.

IMH 2025 confirmed that a new age of change is coming to military aviation. Countries are integrating uncrewed technology, investing heavily in next-generation systems, and adjusting to the reality of the battlefield.

Military helicopters’ future

Four essential characteristics will shape military helicopters in the future:

Speed: The capacity to react quickly to changing threats on large, unpredictably shifting battlefields.

Survivability: Improved defenses against drone threats, electronic warfare, and sophisticated air defense systems.

Connectivity: Smooth integration into multi-domain networks enabling cooperative operations and real-time data exchange.

Adaptability: In the face of ongoing technological advancement, flexible structures guarantee long-term relevance.

Our approach to the development of military rotorcraft must change along with the battlefield. To make sure that next-generation helicopters are prepared for the challenges that lie ahead, innovation, teamwork, and strategic vision will be essential. For next-generation air-to-ground solutions to improve situational awareness, interoperability, and real-time decision-making, sophisticated video, command, and control communication systems will be crucial.

Despite the laws and limitations in place, UAV models are growing in popularity. You can use these gadgets for almost anything since they are much more adaptable than they were in the past.

You’re probably engaged in the argument between drones and helicopters if you’re thinking about getting a UAV. Both offer fantastic characteristics, such as fast speeds, high-quality materials, and incredible capabilities, but it’s important to note certain discrepancies. Drones provide you greater flexibility while flying, are simpler for novices to use, and often contain cameras and navigation software.

Precision fliers find helicopters more hands-on, and if you get the hang of them, they can reach faster speeds and be somewhat less expensive. You’ll probably lean more toward one choice than the other depending on your preferences for these aspects.