The award covers Increment 2 of the Medium Aerial Resupply Vehicle – Expeditionary Logistics programme, known as MARV-EL. The selected platform is the R66 TURBINETRUCK, which combines Sikorsky’s MATRIX autonomy system with the Robinson R66 airframe developed by Robinson Helicopter Company.
The companies said the aircraft is intended to deliver ammunition, medical supplies and other equipment in environments where ground routes or crewed aircraft may be unavailable. The platform is designed to operate from forward bases, ship decks and unimproved landing zones.
The Marine Corps developed the programme to address a gap between small tactical drones and larger strategic airlift platforms. Officials said the system is intended to provide a middleweight unmanned logistics capability while reducing risks to personnel.
The aircraft can carry payloads ranging from 1,300 to 2,500 pounds across a combat radius of 100 nautical miles. Mission tasks can be controlled through a common digital handheld device.
“As we expand the MATRIX family, we also extend the reach of uncrewed solutions for both civil and military customers,” said Rich Benton.
“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,” Benton added.
Robinson Helicopter Company said the platform expands the role of proven rotorcraft into autonomous logistics missions.
“Our partnership with Sikorsky brings the trusted performance and reliability of the R66 platform into the unmanned logistics arena,” said David Smith. “The R66 TURBINETRUCK represents a significant step forward in expanding proven rotorcraft into scalable, autonomous cargo solutions for demanding operational environments.”
“Together, we are delivering a game changing capability that will enhance warfighter readiness and open new opportunities for safe, reliable and affordable autonomous transport,” Smith added.
Paul Fermo said the system is designed to respond to rapidly changing operational requirements.
“Operators need logistics solutions that can keep pace with rapidly changing mission demands without increasing complexity,” Fermo said. “By combining MATRIX’s advanced autonomous capability with the rugged, flight-proven R66 airframe, the R66 TURBINETRUCK delivers that capability whenever and wherever it’s needed—no matter the environment.”
The first aircraft will be delivered to Sikorsky for integration, testing and evaluation. Demonstrations will focus on validating the MATRIX system’s open architecture design and autonomous flight capabilities.
