Sikorsky, a Lockheed Martin company, and Robinson Helicopter Company (RHC) have unveiled the R66 TURBINETRUCK, an autonomous cargo helicopter that pairs Sikorsky’s MATRIX autonomy system with Robinson Unmanned’s new cargo UAS platform.
Developed under a collaborative agreement, the R66 TURBINETRUCK is designed as a flexible, autonomous aircraft for a wide range of utility missions, including cargo delivery and resupply for both civil and military operators.
The TURBINETRUCK becomes the 21st aircraft to integrate the MATRIX autonomy system and shares technology with Sikorsky’s fully autonomous S-70 U-Hawk. MATRIX has been tested across platforms ranging from small drones to large cargo aircraft and has accumulated more than 1,000 flight hours of operational data.
“With every new platform added to the MATRIX family, we expand the network of unmanned systems capable of supporting diverse civil and military missions,” said Rich Benton, vice president and general manager of Sikorsky. “The U-Hawk and R66 TURBINETRUCK represent complementary capabilities that address evolving needs across defense and commercial markets, delivering reliable autonomy wherever the mission requires it.”
Robinson Unmanned’s new R66 TURBINETRUCK equipped with Sikorsky’s proven MATRIX autonomy system. Photos Robinson Unmanned
David Smith, president and CEO of Robinson Helicopter Company, said the collaboration extends the reach of the R66 platform into new mission sets.
“By combining Robinson’s proven aircraft with Sikorsky’s autonomy technology, we have created a scalable unmanned system optimized for future operations,” Smith said. “The R66 TURBINETRUCK provides an affordable, attritable cargo platform designed to deliver critical supplies autonomously and reliably.”
The TURBINETRUCK is aimed at missions such as remote-site resupply, contested logistics and disaster relief.
Designed specifically for cargo operations, the aircraft removes the cockpit and crew stations to create a high-volume fuselage with a reinforced cargo floor and a nose-mounted clamshell door for rapid loading of palletized freight.
Both the aircraft and MATRIX autonomy use modular open-architecture systems enabling rapid mission reconfiguration and autonomous navigation to destination.
Source: Lockheed Martin