MARV-EL Drones: Revolutionizing Battlefield Resupply for the U.S. Marine Corps
The U.S. Marine Corps is on the hunt for a new medium-lift aerial drone to serve as a crucial logistics support system in battlefield conditions. This initiative, known as the Marines Medium Autonomous Resupply Vehicle Expeditionary Logistics (MARV-EL) program, aims to identify a drone that can autonomously resupply troops even in the most challenging environments. The selection process is expected to culminate in the summer of 2024, with the winning design set to enhance the logistics capabilities of the Marine Corps and its allies.
The Contenders
Two primary contenders have emerged in the competition:
- Kaman Corporation’s Kargo UAV
- Elroy Air’s Chaparral system, partnered with Leidos
Kaman’s Kargo UAV
The Kargo UAV, developed by Kaman Corporation, is a rotary-wing drone specifically designed for autonomous, expeditionary resupply missions. It made its first flight in December 2023 and is now undergoing rigorous flight tests. This drone can carry a payload of up to 800 pounds and has a gross weight of approximately 1,500 pounds. Its design allows it to be folded up for transport in a 20-foot container, making it highly portable and suitable for rapid deployment.
The Kargo UAV is powered by a Rolls-Royce RR300 turbine engine that drives four teetering, two-bladed rotors via a mechanical transmission. This setup provides the drone with the capability to operate reliably in diverse and challenging environments.
Elroy Air’s Chaparral
Elroy Air, in collaboration with Leidos, has developed the Chaparral system, a hybrid-electric vertical takeoff and landing (hVTOL) cargo vehicle. The Chaparral features a distributed electric propulsion system combined with a turbine-based generator, which enhances its energy density and operational range. It can carry up to 300 pounds of cargo and boasts a range of 300 statute miles with a cruise speed of 125 knots. Despite its size, the Chaparral can be reconfigured to fit within a 40-foot shipping container, showcasing its versatility and adaptability for various deployment scenarios.
The Chaparral has demonstrated its autonomous capabilities, including the ability to autonomously locate, navigate to, load, secure a cargo pod, taxi, and take off. These capabilities were showcased in a series of tests at Travis Air Force Base in California. Additionally, Elroy Air has secured multiple development and testing contracts, including agreements with AFWERX and U.S. Special Operations Command, which underscores the system’s potential for broader military applications.
Strategic Importance
The MARV-EL program is a critical component of the Marine Corps’ strategy to enhance its logistical support capabilities in expeditionary advanced base operations and other distributed operations. By leveraging autonomous drone technology, the Marine Corps aims to ensure that supplies can be delivered to forward-deployed troops even when traditional ground or manned aviation assets are unavailable due to threats, terrain, weather, or other operational constraints.
Both the Kargo UAV and the Chaparral system represent significant advancements in unmanned logistics technology, offering new possibilities for military resupply missions. The upcoming demonstrations and fly-offs will be crucial in determining which system will ultimately be selected to support the Marine Corps’ logistical needs.
In conclusion, the MARV-EL program is set to revolutionize battlefield logistics for the Marine Corps by introducing advanced, autonomous aerial resupply vehicles. The ongoing competition between Kaman’s Kargo UAV and Elroy Air’s Chaparral system highlights the innovative approaches being pursued to meet the complex demands of modern military operations. As the summer 2024 selection date approaches, the Marine Corps is poised to gain a powerful new tool in its logistical arsenal.
