Robinson R66, Bell 505 vie for USMC cargo drone contract

Adaptations of the Robinson R66 and Bell 505 commercial helicopters are competing for a U.S. Marine Corps contract to develop an autonomous uncrewed cargo resupply vehicle. Both designs are based on proven rotary-wing platforms modified for unmanned operation. The USMC seeks to enhance logistics capabilities with autonomous resupply in contested environments. The competition highlights the military's growing interest in leveraging commercial aviation technology for battlefield support.