TV-Video

Video by Cpl. Caden Phillips

Tactical Resupply UAS demonstration

Marine Corps Base Quantico

March 29, 2023 | 42:15

Marine Corps Combat Development and Integration recently demonstrated an innovative method to transport combat supplies with the Tactical Resupply Unmanned Aircraft System (TRUAS) at the semi-annual Installations and Logistics Board (ILB) on March 29-30, 2023, at Marine Corps Base Quantico, Virginia. Senior Marine Corps leaders and logisticians attending the ILB observed the TRUAS, a large, drone-like aircraft, carry a payload over a short distance, drop it at a specified location, and return to the starting point. According to Marine Corps Master Sgt. Chris Genualdi, an airborne and air delivery specialist with Combat Development and Integration, the concept of using a drone to transport supplies may sound simple, but the implications could have a significant impact on combat supply transportation. The TRUAS has a 9-mile range and maximum payload of 150 pounds, which is sufficient to fly in ammunition, food, medical supplies, and batteries, among other supplies. This small system only requires two Marines to operate and will be a game-changing capability for our distributed forces. Fielding this capability is a critical step in setting conditions for the development of the ULS-A Medium system, which is the required capability for large-scale tactical distribution in a contested space. (U.S. Marine Corps video by Cpl. Caden Phillips)