Marine Corps Tests Cargo Loading on Uncrewed Transportation Chopper

Airbus Space and Defense recently demonstrated the cargo storage capabilities of its uncrewed UH-72 Lakota transportation helicopter variant. The tests ensured that the additional body space could accommodate standard-sized US Marine Corps equipment.

The autonomous Lakota, dubbed the UH-72 Logistics Connector, is Airbus’s submission for the Marines’ Aerial Logistics Connector program. The project aims to improve military support for high-intensity conflict missions in various environments. Naval Air Systems Command (NAVAIR) granted Airbus US Space & Defense a contract based on the unmanned Lakota concept in May 2024.

Airbus’s UH-72 Logistics Connector prototype has a much larger internal area than the traditional version since, being uncrewed, it does not need crew stations or a designated cockpit. The aircraft’s nose may be able to open like a clamshell or swing outwards, though an exact production design has not been finalized.

This configuration was tested at North Carolina’s Marine Corps Air Station New River with Marine cargo containers and other specialized equipment. This event represents the Middle Tier of Acquisition (MTA) for the Aerial Logistics Connector program. Future demonstrations will focus on modifications and continue throughout the rest of 2024 and 2025. 

“Integrating warfighter inputs early on in this phase of the contract helps ensure we’re hitting all the marks and gives us invaluable insights so we deliver the right capabilities to the U.S. Marine Corps,” explained Rob Geckle, chairman and chief executive of Airbus US Space and Defense.

The manufacturer is currently working alongside the Marine Corps to develop and test the technology necessary for autonomous operations. In the future, customers may also be able to purchase a new version of the helicopter adapted for piloted flight.

The UH-72 Logistics Connector is not yet outfitted with artillery; however, Airbus would be willing to revise the design to provide strike capability if a given customer requests it.

Airbus intends to have a functional prototype for the Aerial Logistics Connector program by 2028 or 2029.

FMI: www.airbusus.com