Airbus outlines Logistics Connector plan and partners with L3Harris
Airbus has said it is aiming to have a flyable prototype of the Logistics Connector MQ-72C by 2028. (Image: Airbus Space and Defense)
Airbus says it will aim to have a working prototype of the MQ-72C Logistics Connector by the end of the decade as it bids for a contract with the US Marine Corps.
Airbus US Space and Defense will aim to have a flyable prototype of the Logistics Connector MQ-72C by 2028 and have a final design ready for full production by 2029.
“We want to be ready for low-rate initial production (LRIP) by 2030 if that’s what US Naval Air Systems Command (NAVAIR) wants to do,” said Rob Geckle, chairman and CEO of Airbus US Space and Defense.
The company has been competing for a contract for the US Marines Corps (USMC) to develop Connector, an autonomous vertical take-off and landing (VTOL) uncrewed aerial system (UAS) designed for transportation operations in contested
Already have an account? Log in
Want to keep reading this article?
More from Air Warfare
-
![US Navy’s FA-XX programme still an “option”, as FY2026 US defence budget outline proposed]()
US Navy’s FA-XX programme still an “option”, as FY2026 US defence budget outline proposed
The US Navy’s answer to a sixth-generation fighter has experienced a range of setbacks and delays to the programme, with only $47 million in this latest proposed budget set aside for completing the aircraft.
-
![Eurofighter eyes mid-life upgrade for Typhoon jets, with production increase underway]()
Eurofighter eyes mid-life upgrade for Typhoon jets, with production increase underway
With roughly 80% of combat missions flown by Typhoons in Europe, the Eurofighter consortium is emphasising the continued relevance of its jet and wants to ramp up production to continue to deliver combat mass in light of a shifting geo-political world order.
-
![NATO orders two more A330 MRTT aircraft, while Sweden and Denmark join programme]()
NATO orders two more A330 MRTT aircraft, while Sweden and Denmark join programme
The order for two more aircraft for the NATO Multinational Multirole Tanker Transport (MRTT) fleet comes as Airbus considers increasing A330 MRTT production to meet demand.
-
![UK to purchase 12 F-35A aircraft to strengthen nuclear deterrence]()
UK to purchase 12 F-35A aircraft to strengthen nuclear deterrence
The potential acquisition of F-35A aircraft was first mentioned in the Strategic Defence Review, published on 2 June.
