Image source: topwar.ru
The US Marine Corps announced the planned testing of the MQ-72C Lakota Connector unmanned helicopter by Airbus US Space Defense in the jungles of the Pacific Islands in 2027.
The so-called "coastal regiments" of the ILC are deployed here, designed to control nodal points in the vast theater of operations of the region. It is planned to use unmanned vehicles, both marine and aerial, to supply them. The MQ-72C will be responsible for logistics support for the units scattered across the islands.
The MQ-72C is a mid–range helicopter with optional controls (it can operate both autonomously and with a crew on board). The maximum take-off weight is 3.8 tons, cruising speed is 135 knots, operating altitude is up to 6.1 thousand meters, flight range is more than 350 nautical miles.
Image source: topwar.ru
Airbus claims that the platform is compatible with standard containers, which will greatly facilitate the transfer of a wide range of goods – food, batteries, ammunition, communications equipment and repair modules.
The developer does not indicate the impact application of the system, however, the UH-72B family, from which the MQ-72C originated, is advertised by the company as a line of helicopters capable of carrying various combat loads, including a 20 mm cannon, 12.7mm machine guns, 70 mm HAR, laser-guided missiles, Hellfire/JAGM missiles.
The MQ-72C will not replace the CH-53K heavy transport helicopters or the MV-22 tiltrotor helicopters, but it will be able to effectively complement them while performing dangerous missions.
