US Marines logistics unit tests TRV-150 cargo drone in Arctic operations.

Soldiers of the Combat Logistics Battalion 6 (CLB-6), operating under the US 2nd Marine Logistics Group, recently conducted exercises to assess the performance and capabilities of the Tactical Resupply Vehicle 150 (TRV-150) cargo drone in arctic climates. These evaluations took place in Syndalen, Finland, on December 7, 2023, and in Setermoen, Norway, on February 6, 2024.
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The T150/TRV150 cargo drone has a maximum payload capacity of 68 kg, a cruise speed of 108 km/h, and a maximum range of 70 km. (Picture source: US DoD)

CLB-6's presence in Norway is part of Marine Rotational Forces Europe 24.1, aimed at enhancing regional engagements across Europe. This rotational deployment encompasses various exercises, including arctic cold-weather and mountain warfare training, alongside military-to-military engagements, fostering interoperability with allied and partner forces.

Recognizing the significance of logistics in military operations, the U.S. Army Research Laboratory (ARL) has been exploring the potential of electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) cargo drones. These drones are intended to streamline the resupply process, potentially reducing risks to personnel and expediting delivery times in diverse operational environments.

The U.S. Army acknowledges the current limitations of battery technology but anticipates future advancements. Enhanced battery capacity is expected to increase payload capacity, speed, and range for eVTOL cargo drones. Additionally, the Army envisions the development of wireless recharging capabilities, enabling drones to remain operational during transit to their destination.

Earlier advancements in eVTOL cargo drones saw Malloy Aeronautics and SURVICE Engineering secure a production contract with the U.S. Navy and U.S. Marine Corps. This agreement, announced on April 14, 2023, involves the manufacturing of nearly two hundred TRV air cargo drones. These companies were selected following their participation in the US Army's Tactical Resupply Unmanned Aircraft System (TRUAS) fly-off competition held at the Yuma Proving Ground in Arizona, USA, in 2019.

Manufactured by the British company Malloy Aeronautics, the T150/TRV150 uncrewed eVTOL air cargo drone has emerged as a potentially significant asset for delivering essential supplies to troops on the battlefield. Controlled through a laptop interface, operators can either pilot the drone manually or set autonomous waypoints for delivery, allowing the transport of a wide range of goods, from food and medical supplies to weapons and ammunition, effectively meeting the varied needs of frontline personnel.

Equipped with eight propellers and electric motors powered by batteries, the T150/TRV150 has a maximum payload capacity of 68 kg, a cruise speed of 108 km/h, and a maximum range of 70 km. The drone could provide rapid transportation of supplies to critical areas of operation while minimizing the risks associated with traditional resupply missions conducted by trucks or helicopters.

Safety considerations are integral to the design of the TRV150, featuring redundant avionics and distributed electric propulsion (DEP) technology, which enhance reliability and ensure the aircraft's ability to safely land even in the event of motor or propeller failure. Demonstrating capability in various weather conditions, the drone has shown its reliability, offering a dependable means of resupply regardless of environmental challenges.

Furthermore, the compact and portable design of the drone facilitates ease of transportation and deployment. With propeller booms and landing gear that can be folded into a compact size, the entire cargo drone can be neatly packed into a medium-sized protective case, allowing for convenient storage and transportation by ground or air.