Airbus U.S. Space and Defense has conducted its first demonstration as part of a program to build an autonomous, uncrewed version of the UH-72 Lakota transportation helicopter for the U.S. Marine Corps. The Lakota variant is known as the UH-72 Logistics Connector, which is Airbus’s bid for the Marines’ Aerial Logistics Connector program. Aerial Logistics Connector is one of several Defense Department programs aimed at improving logistical support delivery to troops in distributed environments during high-intensity conflict. Demonstrations will continue through the first phase of the middle tier of the acquisition program, which ends in late 2025, and the Marine Corps will then decide whether to move forward with the program.

Airbus tested the uncrewed Lakota’s internal chassis at Marine Corps Air Station New River in North Carolina. The UH-72 helicopter aims to fly autonomously, and Airbus is working with the Marine Corps and other companies to develop the technology necessary. The UH-72 will have additional cargo storage space due to the lack of a cockpit. The Marine Corps may decide to adapt the helicopter for strike capability in the future. Near Earth Autonomy, Leonardo, and Honeywell are also working on the Aerial Logistics Connector program. Airbus is currently in the design phase and conducting risk reduction work for the program.

It’s too soon to determine the cost of the UH-72 or whether it will be more or less expensive than the standard Lakota. Airbus has not disclosed whether they have spoken to other services or foreign countries about the UH-72B, but it is expected to be applicable across the joint environment and with allies.