The US Marine Corps (USMC) has completed a round of shipboard trials for the TRV-150C tactical resupply uncrewed aircraft system (TRUAS), marking a step forward in finding new ways to deliver supplies between ships and to shore for Combat Logistics Battalions (CLBs).
The tests took place on an amphibious transport dock ship, with support from the Robotics and Autonomous Systems Aircraft Management Programme Office and the Air Test and Evaluation Squadron 24 at Naval Air Station Patuxent River, Maryland.
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Over the course of two weeks, the team launched and recovered the uncrewed aircraft several times, establishing that unmanned cargo delivery can work at sea.
Early testing focused on integrating the system into ship operations, seen as a greater challenge compared to shore delivery.
Future tests aim to explore shore-to-ship scenarios, a statement from the US Department of War (DoW) said.
The programme office took charge of securing a deployed model of the aircraft for the trials and ensured all necessary permissions, safety certifications, and battery checks were in place.
The evaluation squadron coordinated the test schedule, improved procedures, and developed the first concept for how the aircraft could be used in real operations.
This proof-of-concept evaluation is said to be the initial step towards making uncrewed resupply flights a standard option for fleet support, both now and in the future.
Combat Logistics Battalion 26 commanding officer lieutenant colonel Zacharias Hornbaker said: “This achievement is a direct result of operating forces identifying a critical need — the ability to move parts and supplies between ships, to the shore and back again, without relying on manned aircraft or traditional landing craft.
“The [program office’s] response was immediate and collaborative, quickly bringing [the evaluation squadron] to the table. It is a testament to how operational units, the [program office] and the [Naval Air Systems Command] test community can unite to rapidly evolve the future of expeditionary fleet logistics and sustainment.”
