L3Harris and Airbus US partner on systems integration for unmanned Aerial Logistics Connector

L3Harris Technologies and Airbus U.S. Space & Defense announced a teaming agreement to incorporate L3Harris’ proven platform system integration capabilities on the Airbus MQ-72C Logistics Connector, an unmanned variant of the UH-72 Lakota helicopter.

Airbus will utilize L3Harris’ robust digital backbone with integrated command and control nodes. Combined with their modular open systems approach, the infrastructure enables the U.S. Marines to rapidly integrate third-party, commercial off-the-shelf hardware that will enable maximum system versatility and mission adaptability.

“Our MQ-72C platform is capable of supporting the warfighter on a range of unmanned operations that will support the future fight,” said Robert Geckle, Chairman and CEO, Airbus U.S. Space & Defense. “Partnering with a proven systems integrator opens the aperture on what our aircraft can do operationally in contested and austere environments.”

This partnership will allow the Marines’ mission sets to evolve over the next several years and will enable more advanced levels of systems integration across the Marine Corps and broader joint force.

“We are focused on accelerating development to get this capability into the hands of military personnel,” said Jason Lambert, President, Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance, L3Harris. “With more than 60 years of experience in aircraft systems integration, L3Harris brings proven expertise developing complex mission system design and integration to enhance operational effectiveness in contested environments.”

The Airbus team is entering the second year of the Aerial Logistics Connector Middle Tier of Acquisition Rapid Prototyping Program, which aims to provide the service with aircraft prototypes to demonstrate capabilities to the warfighter through a series of operational demonstrations and experiments.

The Aerial Logistics Connector effort is one of several across the Department of Defense to deliver logistical support in distributed environments during peer or near-peer conflicts.