Navy seeking industry help on small to medium-sized UAS for resupply missions

The Navy is seeking potential sources capable of crafting an unmanned aircraft system designed to resupply Marines during expeditionary advanced base operations and distributed maritime operations -- challenging logistical situations where resupply may prove more difficult due to risks to manned aircraft.

The Navy and Marine Corps Small Tactical Unmanned Aircraft Systems Program Office (PMA-263) is seeking a small to medium-sized Vertical Takeoff and Landing Tactical Resupply Unmanned Aircraft solution, one that can achieve Top Level Requirements for the Marine Corps, according to a notice posted Thursday.

The desired solution would be capable of carrying 100 lbs. for 40 nautical mile radius missions, and 150 lbs. for 10 nautical mile missions, the notice states. Additionally, it should be able to reach a minimum speed of 100 knots, be capable of autonomous low-altitude flight and obstacle avoidance, autonomous cargo delivery and return and include onboard diagnostics, AI-assisted route optimization and re-tasking abilities.

Those responding to the request for information are encouraged to state if their company has completed similar work in the past, if they can deliver three prototype systems in fiscal year 2028 and are asked to provide an overview of their company’s approach to necessary tasks and milestones. Responses are due by Oct. 20.

The service currently uses the TRV-150 TRUAS -- designed by Survice Engineering Co. and Malloy Aeronautics -- as a land-based, autonomous logistics capability.

The vehicle can reach speeds of up to 50 knots, while carrying a cargo payload up to 120 lbs. at a combat radius of nine kilometers, according to PMA-263. The office has expressed a desire to expand these kinds of operations, including shore-to-ship, ship-to-ship and ship-to-shore pickup and delivery.

The Navy proposed over $24 million in research funding for unmanned expeditionary systems according to FY-26 research, development, test and evaluation budget justification documents -- funding that will partially go toward initiating market research on the next increment of TRUAS, as well as development of the Marine Aerial Resupply Vehicle.