Uncrewed cargo helicopter demonstrates offshore resupply operations
NewsSeptember 09, 2026
NEW IBERIA, Louisiana. The Robinson Unmanned R44 AIRTRUCK, an uncrewed remotely piloted cargo helicopter, completed demonstration flights involving offshore-style deck landings, cargo operations, precision positioning, and airspace integration at Acadiana Regional Airport, the company announced in a statement.
The AIRTRUCK is based on the Robinson R44 helicopter airframe and uses Rotor Technologies’ RPX unmanned flight system for remotely piloted operations, the statement reads. The aircraft can carry a useful load of up to 1,000 pounds and more than 60 cubic feet of internal cargo, cruise at more than 100 knots, and operate at altitudes up to 14,000 feet, the company says.
During the September 2-3 demonstration, the aircraft made repeated approaches to a platform configured as an offshore deck and conducted cargo loading and unloading operations, according to the statement. Flight operations used a two-person team consisting of one remote pilot in command and one ground-support crew member, the company says.
