Lockheed Martin Sikorsky Introduces Nomad™ Family of Long-Endurance, Runway-Independent Drones
In March 2025, Sikorsky announced the successful extended flight test of its 10.3-foot wingspan Nomad 50 prototype.
Sikorsky has introduced its Nomad series, a new generation of aircraft that merges helicopter versatility with airplane efficiency.
Featuring a twin proprotor design, the Nomad can take off, hover, and land vertically while cruising on its wings for long durations, combining flexibility with speed and range.
According to Lockheed Martin, the NOMAD is operated through Sikorsky’s MATRIX autonomy technology, developed with DARPA, the Nomad integrates with both rotary and fixed-wing platforms.
MATRIX has proven its capabilities in autonomous missions like firefighting, cargo transport, and mobility operations. Using hybrid-electric propulsion for efficiency, larger variants employ traditional drivetrains.
In March 2025, Sikorsky announced the successful extended flight test of its 10.3-foot wingspan Nomad 50 prototype.
The company is now developing the Nomad 100, a Group 3 variant with an 18-foot wingspan, expected to make its first flight in the coming months.
Rich Benton, Sikorsky vice president and general manager, said the Nomad family is a scalable, runway-independent drone line capable of land and sea missions for defense, security, and civilian use, complementing aircraft like the Black Hawk to maintain strategic advantage globally.
Dan Shidler, director of Advanced Programs, said they are responding to Pentagon feedback by developing a family of autonomous drones that can operate anywhere and carry out missions directly for Soldiers, Marines, Sailors, and Airmen.
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