One joystick and two touch screens - a helicopter with a super-simple control system is presented

It's no secret that flying a helicopter is not an easy task. And recently, many manufacturers have announced the development of programs and systems that can significantly simplify this process. And finally, Skyryse has announced its innovative product, which allows you to control a rotary-wing aircraft using just one joystick and a pair of touch screens.


California-based aerospace company Skyryse was founded in 2016 and has been hard at work developing a semi-autonomous flight system that could be fitted to existing third-party helicopters. The recently unveiled The One, which can carry at least four passengers, is the first helicopter to already have this technology built into it. Accordingly, the internal “filling” of its cabin turned out to be as simplified as possible.


The operating system of this aircraft, called SkyOS, includes so-called fly-by-wire technology.

Similar to electric drives in automobiles, this setup replaces electrical wiring with the complex mechanical connections that traditionally link cockpit controls to related flight components. Thanks to this arrangement, traditional control elements such as cyclic and general levers, gas and anti-torque pedals do not need to be physically present in the cockpit - their functionality can simply be programmed into SkyOS.


With all this, Skyryse still clarifies that SkyOS is not a full-fledged autopilot system. The human remains fully responsible for operating the helicopter. True, in this case he uses a single four-axis control lever and a whole range of various assistants.

SkyOS technology is capable of automatically maintaining basic helicopter flight parameters at a safe level, such as speed and altitude. To achieve this, environmental conditions, pilot actions, aircraft condition and flight parameters are analyzed on an ongoing basis. There is also a Hover Assist function, which ensures that the helicopter remains in a stable hover even if the pilot releases the control stick.

You can start the engine and activate automatic take-off and landing functions with just one touch of the touch screen. In addition, if a power failure in the engine is suddenly detected during the flight, the innovative system will automatically turn on the autorotation mode. However, although all flight functions such as gliding, hovering and landing will be performed automatically, the pilot will still have access to manual controls and the ability to land as safely as possible.

As for the permits required to operate the Skyryse One helicopter, everything is simple. According to the company's vice president, all you need is a standard private helicopter pilot's license. And of course, you can’t do without additional training from Skyryse, which requires 20 hours of flight training.


The company is currently offering potential buyers the opportunity to pre-order its new product by making a deposit of just $2500. The special starting price for the finished product at this stage is set at $1,8 million.

In terms of our national currency at the current exchange rate, this will amount to about 165,6 million rubles. Deliveries are due to begin next year, following receipt of airworthiness certificate. More complete Skyryse One specifications will also be released closer to the time.