Boeing has completed the first fully automated approach and landing on a U.S. Army CH-47F Chinook helicopter during recent flight tests of its Approach-to-X (A2X) technology.
The helicopter used an upgraded Digital Automated Flight Control System (DAFCS) to touch down with all four wheels on the runway without pilot interaction. Since its initial integration on an Army CH-47F in January 2026, the system has performed over 150 approaches, ranging from 100-foot hovers to full ground landings, achieving an average final positioning error of less than five feet.[1][3][4]
Pilots select the landing zone, final altitude, approach angle and starting speed, after which the software assumes control of the aircraft. They retain the ability to adjust the flight path or glide slope in response to changing conditions.[1][2][3]
The technology aims to reduce pilot workload during tactical operations, enabling crews to focus more on situational awareness. Boeing plans further flight testing to refine the software before delivering a final version to the U.S. Army for potential fleet integration.[1][3][4]