Fort Stewart, Georgia – The U.S. Army is evaluating the potential of unmanned aerial logistics with a recent training exercise at Fort Stewart, Georgia, involving the Tactical Resupply Vehicle-150 (TRV-150) cargo drone. The exercise, conducted by soldiers from the Multi-purpose Company, 6th Squadron, 8th Cavalry Regiment, 2nd Armored Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division, marks a formal assessment of the system’s performance and operator readiness, according to Army statements.
The TRV-150, developed by UK-based Malloy Aeronautics, is already in operational use with the U.S. Marine Corps and the Royal Navy – designated as the T-150 within the British naval service. This Army evaluation signals a broader interest in integrating autonomous resupply capabilities across frontline units, potentially reducing the vulnerability of traditional ground-based convoys.
The drone is an electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft designed for cargo missions. It can carry payloads of up to 68 kilograms (approximately 150 pounds) over a distance of roughly 70 kilometers (approximately 43 miles) at speeds reaching 108 kilometers per hour (approximately 67 miles per hour). Mission duration can extend up to 36 minutes, dependent on payload weight and environmental conditions.
The TRV-150 operates using waypoint navigation, allowing soldiers to program autonomous flight routes. The drone can either land at a pre-designated point for cargo delivery or release supplies from the air. Potential payloads include ammunition, rations, medical kits, and other essential equipment. The system also offers the capability to extract gear from potentially exposed or dangerous locations, minimizing risk to personnel.
The Army’s interest in the TRV-150 reflects a broader strategic shift towards reducing reliance on vulnerable ground convoys. These convoys are susceptible to surveillance, long-range fires, and increasingly, loitering munitions. Autonomous drones offer a more discreet and potentially safer method for delivering smaller loads, limiting the number of soldiers exposed during resupply operations. This approach aligns with ongoing efforts to enhance logistical capabilities in contested environments.
The evaluation at Fort Stewart is not solely focused on the drone’s technical capabilities. Army leaders are also assessing the readiness of troops to operate and manage the system, including mission planning, logistical coordination, and integration with existing unit procedures. This holistic approach underscores the importance of not only acquiring new technology but also ensuring that personnel are adequately trained and prepared to utilize it effectively.
Earlier this year, U.S. Army forces under the command of Central Command (CENTCOM) demonstrated the TRV-150 during a training exercise in early June , highlighting the military’s commitment to integrating cutting-edge technology into battlefield operations. According to a statement from CENTCOM, the exercise emphasized multi-domain skills, bridging air, land, and cyber operations to enhance battlefield planning, and execution.
The adoption of unmanned cargo drones like the TRV-150 represents a significant step towards modernizing military logistics and enhancing operational resilience. As the Army continues to evaluate the system’s potential, We see likely to inform future investments in autonomous technologies and shape the evolution of battlefield resupply strategies.
