US Army Trials Tactical Resupply Drone to Boost Battlefield Logistics
The US Army has tested the Tactical Resupply Vehicle-150 (TRV-150) drone during a training exercise focused on innovation and realistic battlefield conditions.
Capable of carrying up to 150 pounds (68 kilograms) of supplies, the TRV-150 enables soldiers to receive equipment remotely without exposing themselves to danger.
During the two-week exercise in the CENTCOM region, troops trained on assembling, operating, and coordinating TRV-150 flights.
Training included planning flight paths to deliver supplies across various tactical scenarios.
In one scenario, a Humvee was disabled due to a broken half shaft. A 3D-printed replacement part was dropped by the drone to repair the vehicle, demonstrating timely support capabilities in the field.
“We don’t always have every piece of equipment that we need available to us while in the field,” said Marvin Mazariego, a drone operator with the 1836th Transportation Company.
“The drone is able to travel far, dropping off our needs in minutes versus waiting hours coordinating with another team to meet us at our location,” he added.
Accelerating Drone Innovation
The US is intensifying efforts to enhance battlefield support by rapidly developing and deploying unmanned aerial systems focused on practical, immediate operational needs.
Earlier this month, the Department of Defense launched “Project G.I.,” a program aimed at accelerating the delivery of next-generation drones.
The initiative challenges vendors to quickly produce and deploy small and medium-sized unmanned aerial systems at scale, incorporating direct feedback from soldiers in the field.
