In a pivotal step toward transforming military logistics, Airbus U.S. Space & Defense successfully completed the first demonstration of its Lakota UH-72 drone helicopter for the U.S. Marine Corps. The event, held at Marine Corps Air Station New River and Camp Lejeune on October 15, 2024, showcased the innovative Aerial Logistics Connector (ALC) system, which aims to revolutionize supply delivery in challenging and dispersed environments.
Designed to operate autonomously, the Lakota UH-72 drone can deliver essential supplies without the vulnerabilities of traditional transport, ensuring sustained operations for troops in remote or contested areas. The drone’s capabilities were demonstrated by its transport of specialized cargo, crucial to meeting the Marine Corps’ logistical demands. Rob Geckle, Jr., CEO of Airbus U.S. Space & Defense, highlighted the importance of direct feedback from military personnel, saying, “Integrating warfighter feedback at this phase of the contract ensures we are meeting all the requirements and gives us invaluable insights to deliver the right capabilities to the U.S. Marine Corps.”
This test is part of the Middle Tier of Acquisition (MTA) program, aimed at accelerating the deployment of cutting-edge technologies to U.S. forces. Under this initiative, Airbus is tasked with delivering prototypes for real-world testing. The results of these trials will guide future decisions on scaling the drone’s production, potentially cementing its role in the Marine Corps’ logistical framework.
The UH-72B Lakota drone, based on the manned version introduced to the Army in 2021, features significant upgrades such as a Fenestron-style tail rotor and a digitally-controlled engine, improving lift performance and reducing maintenance needs. Capable of cruising at 135 knots with a range of 350 nautical miles, and a payload of 4,000 pounds, the UH-72B is positioned to be a game-changer for logistics in the field.
The ALC system’s promise lies not only in its advanced autonomous capabilities but also in its adaptability. With future enhancements, the drone will be able to dynamically adjust routes or react to threats autonomously, making it an invaluable tool for missions in highly contested regions where human-piloted aircraft face significant risks.
This demonstration follows Airbus’ Phase I agreement with Naval Air Systems Command (NAVAIR), awarded under the Other Transactional Authority (OTA). This contract, issued in May 2024, signals the Department of Defense’s growing focus on enhancing logistics in dispersed environments, particularly under the Marine Corps’ Expeditionary Advanced Base Operations (EABO) strategy. As military engagements evolve, the ability to deliver supplies in austere and hostile environments becomes ever more critical, and Airbus aims to meet that challenge head-on.
As further tests are conducted throughout 2024 and 2025, the Lakota UH-72B’s performance will be closely monitored to ensure it meets the ever-evolving needs of the U.S. Marine Corps. Should these trials prove successful, Airbus could find itself leading the charge in the next generation of military logistics, offering a future where drones, not convoys or manned aircraft, ensure the flow of vital supplies to the battlefield.
The ALC system’s ability to autonomously deliver supplies, reduce human risk, and improve operational flexibility marks a significant leap forward in military logistics, especially for the U.S. Marine Corps. With its capacity to operate in contested, hostile environments and its potential cost-efficiency over time, the UH-72B Lakota drone could redefine how military operations are sustained on the ground for years to come.
