The aircraft has a Fenestron shrouded tail rotor, and other features. Credit: TDelCoro/Flickr (Creative Commons).

Airbus US Space & Defense has completed a programme demonstration for the US Marine Corps (USMC), assessing the UH-72B Lakota’s capabilities as part of the Aerial Logistics Connector contract.  

The event, held at Marine Corps Air Station New River and Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, showcased the aircraft’s ability to transport specialised cargo, aligning with the USMC’s logistical support requirements for expeditionary operations within contested environments. 

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The recent demonstration is part of the Aerial Logistics Connector Middle Tier of Acquisition (MTA) Rapid Prototyping Programme. 

The programme’s objective is to equip the USMC with aircraft prototypes for operational demonstrations and experiments.  

These activities aim to present the warfighter with tangible capabilities.  

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Future demonstrations throughout 2024 and 2025 will examine the UH-72B’s potential and explore necessary modifications for autonomous operations and specialised payload carriage. 

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These ongoing evaluations will guide future procurement decisions, leading to the development of prototype aircraft.  

Airbus US Space and Defense chairman and CEO Rob Geckle Jr said: “Integrating warfighter inputs early on in this phase of the contract helps ensure we’re hitting all the marks and gives us invaluable insights so we deliver the right capabilities to the US Marine Corps.” 

In May 2024, Naval Air Systems Command (NAVAIR) awarded Airbus US Space & Defense a Phase I Other Transactional Authority Agreement, through the Naval Aviation Systems Consortium.  

Airbus pitched its uncrewed UH-72 Logistics Connector concept, a variation of the proven UH-72 Lakota. 

The UH-72B Lakota, delivered to the US Army in September 2021, is a reconfigurable aircraft. 

It has a Fenestron shrouded tail rotor, Arriel 2E power plant and dual full authority digital engine control, Airbus Helionix avionics suite, and more. 

The aircraft is used for training, general utility, search and rescue, reconnaissance, medical evacuation, and more. 

In May 2024, Airbus completed the acquisition of uncrewed aerial systems manufacturer Aerovel, taking over its flagship product, the Flexrotor.