Airbus demonstrates MQ-72C unmanned helicopter to U.S. Army

Airbus recently conducted a self-funded demonstration of its MQ-72C unmanned cargo helicopter for the U.S. Army near Huntsville, Alabama. Originally developed for the U.S. Marine Corps ‘Aerial Logistics Connector’ (ALC) program, the MQ-72C is designed to provide autonomous long-range logistics support for expeditionary operations.

The demonstration included five flights testing complex hovering maneuvers, takeoff and landing procedures, and autonomous rerouting to avoid restricted airspace without pilot intervention. The MQ-72C is based on the Airbus H145 platform, specifically the UH-72B Lakota variant. The aircraft utilizes Shield AI’s Hivemind software for autonomous decision-making and has successfully tested beyond-line-of-sight control via Starlink, reaching distances of up to 70 miles.

Airbus is developing the technology alongside partners L3Harris, Shield AI, and Parry Labs. While the Marine Corps views the system as vital for Pacific island operations, the Army is showing interest as it prepares for long-range air assaults involving tiltrotor aircraft like the MV-75A. A specialized nose-mounted clamshell door for faster cargo loading is expected to be integrated between 2029 and 2030.