Airbus has introduced an unmanned autonomous logistics helicopter, the MQ-72C Lakota Connector, which was showcased at the 2025 Association of the US Army (AUSA) exposition. The aircraft is engineered to deliver critical supplies into contested battlefield environments, removing the need to risk flight crews for high-threat resupply missions.
The MQ-72C is a direct derivative of the H145 airframe, which the US Army currently operates as the crewed UH-72C Lakota utility helicopter. Airbus removed the traditional cockpit and crew station, replacing the space with modular internal cargo bays. This design provides a projected internal payload capacity of 1,100 pounds (500 kg). The aircraft can also manage an external sling-load of 1,760 pounds (800 kg).
The airframe, measuring over 44 feet long, retains the proven performance characteristics of the H145 family. It is projected to have a range of more than 350 nautical miles and a service ceiling of 20,000 feet, allowing it to operate effectively in diverse terrain and altitudes.
The helicopter’s autonomous capability is powered by Shield AI’s Hivemind software. This system is an AI-driven autonomy stack, not a simple autopilot. It is designed to enable the aircraft to conduct complex missions, from takeoff to landing, in environments where GPS is denied or jammed. The software uses onboard sensors to navigate, detect and avoid obstacles, and identify suitable landing zones without human intervention, though a semi-autonomous control option remains available. Airbus previously demonstrated the maturity of this software by successfully flying a crewed H145 in a fully autonomous mode.
The primary advantage of the MQ-72C is its high degree of commonality with the Army’s existing fleet of nearly 500 UH-72 Lakotas. Airbus noted the unmanned variant is built on the same production line in Mississippi that supplies the Army’s current aircraft. This strategy aims to reduce development costs, speed up deployment, and simplify the logistics and maintenance training required for Army personnel. The Lakota Connector is positioned to provide a near-term, low-risk solution for autonomous “last tactical mile” resupply.
