US Marine Corps awards $15.5m contract for autonomous cargo helicopter program

Sikorsky and Robinson Unmanned have secured a US$15.5 million contract from the US Marine Corps for the Medium Aerial Resupply Vehicle – Expeditionary Logistics (MARV-EL) Increment 2 program, advancing autonomous aerial logistics capabilities.

The contract centers on the R66 Turbinetruck, an uncrewed cargo helicopter combining Sikorsky’s MATRIX autonomy system with the Robinson R66 airframe. Designed to bridge the gap between small drones and large airlifters, the platform aims to deliver supplies such as ammunition and medical equipment in challenging environments, including austere forward bases and ship decks.

With a required payload of 1,300–2,500lb and a combat radius of 100NM, the system is intended to operate via a handheld digital device, enabling rapid mission planning, and execution without onboard crew.

“As we expand the MATRIX family, we also extend the reach of uncrewed solutions for both civil and military customers,” said Rich Benton, Vice President and General Manager of Sikorsky. “The commercially developed R66 Turbinetruck is simple, economical, and re-configurable; ideal for high-risk, hard-to-reach environments, where keeping personnel out of harm’s way is essential.”

The program will include integration, testing, and demonstration phases, with Robinson Unmanned delivering the first aircraft to Sikorsky. Initial demonstrations will highlight the platform’s open architecture and autonomous operational capabilities.

Sikorsky recently began production of its S-92A+ helicopter, the latest iteration of the S-92 platform.