The US Marine Corps has awarded a $15.5 million contract to Sikorsky, part of Lockheed Martin, to develop the R66 TURBINETRUCK—an autonomous cargo helicopter for the MARV-EL Increment 2 program. Built with Robinson Helicopter Company and Robinson Unmanned, the system combines Sikorsky’s MATRIX autonomy technology with the R66 airframe to create a flexible, mid-sized logistics platform.

The aircraft is designed to deliver supplies like ammunition and medical equipment in contested or remote environments, filling a key gap between small drones and large airlifters. It can operate from austere locations and reduce risk to personnel by performing high-risk resupply missions autonomously.

With a payload capacity of up to 2,500 pounds and a 100-nautical-mile range, the system aims to enhance battlefield logistics by enabling rapid, reliable, and cost-effective resupply using automated flight planning and minimal operator input.