Airbus U.S. Space and Defense is developing a version of its UH-72 Lakota helicopter for the Marine Corps under a contract with Naval Air Systems Command. The UH-72 Unmanned Logistics Connector aims to resupply larger Marine units, such as those in the Pacific for expeditionary advanced base operations. The aircraft will be autonomous and feature fly-by-wire capability.
The main challenges under the Marine Corps contract are adding autonomy to the aircraft and integrating it into the Marine Corps command-and-control network. The Aerial Logistics Connector is part of a larger contested logistics effort, with only Airbus awarded a contract so far. Demonstrations of prototypes from various vendors are expected in late summer to early fall.
The use of a mature platform like the UH-72 Lakota with a proven track record is expected to contribute to the success of the prototype. Megan Eckstein is the naval warfare reporter at Defense News, covering military news, focusing on U.S. Navy and Marine Corps operations, acquisition programs, and budgets.