The Aerial Reconfigurable Embedded Systems (ARES) is a vertical takeoff and lift (VTOL) flight module that could adapt to multiple missions with interchangeable payloads, offering new capabilities and enabling new operational concepts.
Lockheed Martin’s Skunk Works is leading a team with Piasecki Aircraft to develop the next generation of compact, high-speed vertical takeoff and landing (VTOL) delivery systems with the Aerial Reconfigurable Embedded System (ARES).
Formerly known as Transformer (TX), ARES’ unique design could adapt to multiple missions with interchangeable payloads; including cargo pods, medical evacuation units, a tactical ground vehicle, troops, and armed scout, reconnaissance and strike capabilities. This flexibility combined with emerging autonomous unmanned air vehicle control systems provides terrain-independent transportation and cargo supply capability to ground combat units.
Compared to a conventional helicopter, ARES’ tilting ducted fans provide a safer operating environment that’s half the landing zone with faster transit speeds of up to 200 knots.