The ADAPT program was launched to address a critical challenge: increasing rotorcraft survivability in demanding mission environments. With intelligent flight control systems and autonomous features like Return-to-Base, Leader-Follower, and Safe Landing Area Determination (SLAD), ADAPT helps aircraft stay mission-capable even after sustaining damage or when pilots are incapacitated. It’s a major step toward safer, more capable, and more autonomous rotorcraft — and we’re proud to be part of it.

Our DA 30-HT-D-MCCS OPV actuators will be integrated into Piasecki’s CoAX 2D demonstrator — an optionally piloted helicopter platform developed by EDM Aerotec. These actuators are built with dual-channel redundancy and feature an electromagnetic clutch for manual override, combining maximum reliability with precise control.

“Volz’s actuators provide the perfect mix of capability, reliability, and redundancy needed for our optionally piloted aircraft,” said Chris DiMarco, ADAPT Program Manager at Piasecki. “Their partnership has been instrumental in advancing the ADAPT program and enabling its next phase. Our work not only supports military applications but also lays the foundation for next-gen commercial rotorcraft.”

Flight testing of the CoAX 2D is scheduled for later this year, following successful simulations of core ADAPT capabilities like Fly-to-Optimal maneuvering, Damage-Tolerant Control, and Vehicle Maneuvering Optimization.

“We are proud to support the ADAPT program with our advanced actuator technology,” said Phillipp Volz, CEO of Volz Servos. “This collaboration marks a major step forward in rotorcraft safety and performance, and we look forward to a long-term partnership with Piasecki.”