No pilots, all cargo: Airbus tests loading of autonomous helicopter
The nose of this autonomous variant of the UH-72 Lakota will open up, allowing weapons or larger pieces of cargo to be front-loaded into the helicopter.
Airbus U.S. Space and Defense has conducted its first demonstration as part of a program to build an autonomous, uncrewed version of the UH-72 Lakota transportation helicopter for the U.S. Marine Corps.
#newsonleo #technology #automation #helicoptor #military #airbus
The UH-72 Logistics Connector, also known as the Lakota variant, is a modified version of the UH-72 helicopter designed to meet the needs of the US Marine Corps' Aerial Logistics Connector (ALC) program. Here are some key details about the project:
Background
The ALC program is a Defense Department initiative aimed at improving logistical support for troops in distributed environments during high-intensity conflicts. The program seeks to develop a versatile, autonomous, and adaptable aircraft that can transport cargo and supplies to remote areas, reducing the need for manned transport aircraft.
Design and Features
The UH-72 Logistics Connector is a modified internal chassis of the UH-72 helicopter, with aLL crew stations removed to make room for cargo throughout the body. The helicopter's nose may open up like a clamshell or swing open to one side on a hinge, providing additional cargo storage space. This configuration allows for the front-loading of larger containers or equipment that would not fit in the standard Lakota's side doors.
The UH-72 Logistics Connector features a unique design that enables the integration of autonomous technology, including:
Demonstration and Testing
Airbus conducted a demonstration of the UH-72 Logistics Connector at Marine Corps Air Station New River in North Carolina, showcasing the helicopter's ability to carry standard Marine cargo containers and specialized cargo without the need for a cockpit. The test also highlighted the potential for the UH-72 Logistics Connector to be adapted for autonomous flight, should the Marine Corps or another customer decide to pursue strike capability in the future.
Collaboration and Partnerships
Airbus is working closely with the Marine Corps, Leonardo, and Honeywell to develop the necessary technology for the UH-72 Logistics Connector. The partnership brings together expertise in autonomous systems, logistics, and transportation to create a cutting-edge solution for the US military.
Timeline and Milestones
The UH-72 Logistics Connector is currently in the design phase, with the aim of delivering a flying prototype by 2028 or 2029. The Marine Corps aims to make a production decision by the end of 2029, with the ALC program set to conclude in late 2025.
Cost and Applicability
While details on the cost of the UH-72 Logistics Connector remain unclear, Forsling stated that the helicopter would be applicable across the joint environment and with allies. The Marine Corps aims to use the UH-72 Logistics Connector for a variety of missions, including:
Overall, the UH-72 Logistics Connector represents a significant step forward in the development of autonomous logistics aircraft, with the potential to transform the way the US military delivers logistical support to troops in distributed environments.
Article
The Marine Corps briefing slides showed at the Modern Day Marine conference note this Aerial Logistics Connector will be the aviation contribution to a larger contested logistics effort. Service leaders signed an acquisition decision memorandum in March to begin this prototyping phase, and the slides show four companies will be awarded contracts to build prototypes.
NAVAIR spokeswoman Megan Wasel told Defense News only one contract, the Airbus agreement, has been awarded to date.
In April, Carl Forsling, Airbus’ senior manager of business development and strategy for Marine Corps programs, told Defense News the company had already been developing its UH-72 Unmanned Logistics Connector using internal company funds.
Forsling said the Marines are looking at light and medium unmanned aerial systems to resupply squads and other small units operating away from ships and logistics hubs. This effort aims to create a large platform that can resupply larger units, such as the Marine littoral regiments the Corps is establishing in the Pacific to conduct expeditionary advanced base operations.
Article