The demonstration evaluated the aircraft’s performance characteristics and confirmed its ability to load and carry specialised cargo. It also highlighted potential modifications that would enable the aircraft to meet the Marine Corps’ needs for supporting expeditionary advanced base operations.
“This demonstration was another illustration of how our MQ-72C system can support a range of missions and payloads that Marines will need to perform operations in austere environments,” said Rob Geckle, Jr., Chairman and CEO of Airbus U.S. Space and Defense. “We believe this aircraft will redefine the future of Marine Corps aviation.”
The demonstration is part of the second year of the Aerial Logistics Connector Middle Tier of Acquisition (MTA) Rapid Prototyping Programme. This initiative is designed to provide prototype aircraft to the service for a series of operational demonstrations and experiments.
Further demonstrations are scheduled throughout the remainder of 2025. These will contribute to acquisition decisions regarding the potential development of a prototype aircraft.
In May 2024, Airbus U.S. Space & Defense was awarded a Phase I Other Transactional Authority Agreement by Naval Air Systems Command (NAVAIR). The agreement, issued through the Naval Aviation Systems Consortium, supports the company’s unmanned UH-72 Logistics Connector concept—a variant of the established UH-72 Lakota platform.
The Aerial Logistics Connector programme is part of a broader Department of Defense strategy to enhance logistical support in distributed operational environments during peer or near-peer conflicts.
With more than 1.7 million flight hours and over 490 aircraft delivered to the U.S. Army, U.S. Navy, and allied forces, the UH-72 Lakota has demonstrated extensive versatility. The platform supports a wide range of missions including search and rescue, disaster response, homeland security, drug interdiction, firefighting, and MEDEVAC.
