Piasecki Aircraft, known for rotorcraft, achieved a milestone by flying its uncrewed tilt-duct vertical takeoff and landing (VTOL) aircraft on September 6. The demonstrations, partially funded by AFWERX, showcased the aircraft's potential for autonomous evacuation and battlefield resupply applications. The propulsion configuration currently includes two turbine engines, with future plans to adapt to mission-specific needs. The concept addresses the Air Force's interest in enhancing combat search and rescue capabilities while minimizing personnel exposure to danger. The VTOL aircraft's successful flights, tethered to the ground in Essington, PA, highlighted its stable hovering ability and adaptability to varying flight conditions. Piasecki envisions further testing to include performance in and out of ground effect, low-speed maneuvering, and ultimately autonomous flight operations. The project aims to revolutionize airborne casualty evacuation and cargo resupply missions. The ARES project, under a joint Air Force/Army initiative, aligns with the military's strategy of decentralizing operations and utilizing innovative technology for logistics support. The tilt-duct concept enables runway-independent operations, fitting well with the Air Force's dispersed deployment model. The aircraft's compact fly-by-wire integrated flight control system, provided by Honeywell Aerospace, ensures precise handling and safety across various flight conditions. Piasecki plans to further develop the aircraft's autonomy for casualty evacuation and logistics resupply missions. The company's acquisition of Lockheed's Sikorsky Heliplex signifies its commitment to advancing VTOL and unmanned aircraft technologies.