Kaman Prepares To Start Flight Testing of Kargo UAV Autonomous Logistics Platform
The specialist helicopter manufacturer believes it can save lives and costs by replacing crewed helicopters with its new 500-pound autonomous vehicle for military resupply missions.
Kaman Aerospace is preparing to start flight testing its Kargo UAV logistics vehicle later this year, with the U.S. Marine Corps having contracted it to build a prototype to be used for demonstration and evaluation purposes. The company is marketing the autonomous vehicle as a pilotless alternative to far heavier and more costly piloted helicopters such as the MV-22 Osprey that are currently used to resupply troops.
The Kargo UAV is powered by the R300 turboshaft engine that Rolls-Royce developed for light helicopters, such as Robinson’s R-66 model. It is expected to support trips of up to 500 nm carrying an 800-pound payload in either an internal conformal pod or in a sling beneath the aircraft.
