USMC MARV-EL programme taps two companies for Increment 2

A computer generated image of Robinson's unmanned R66 TurbineTruck helicopter with the forward cargo doors open (Robinson Helicopter)

The US Marine Corps' (USMC) Marine Corps' Aerial Resupply Vehicle - Expeditionary Logistics (MARV-EL) programme has selected Near Earth Autonomy and Sikorsky for Increment 2, Naval Air Systems Command (NAVAIR) announced.

NAVAIR previously initiated a re-compete for the programme in July 2024 after two selected contestants were unable to satisfy the USMC requirements during a flight test at Yuma Proving Grounds, Arizona.

Near Earth Autonomy selected Bell Textron to partner with and provide its Bell 505 airframe and engineering support to the programme, modifying the Bell 505 for autonomy integration and enhanced cargo handling, Bell said in a statement.

Sikorsky is partnering with Robinson Unmanned and its R66 Turbinetruck helicopter, which will use Sikorsky's Matrix autonomous flight system. Matrix is also in use on Sikorsky's U-Hawk helicopter, a S-70 variant.

Sikorsky participated in the USMC's Aerial Logistics Connector (ALC) Phase 1 in 2025 and said it will bring lessons learned to MARV-EL Increment 2, which calls for an unmanned aerial vehicle capable of vertical take-off as well as the ability to transport between 1,300 and 2,500 lbs of cargo as far as 100 n miles. The idea would be a middle-weight UAV capable of operating in contested environments.

Bell said the awarded contract would exceed the MARV-EL programme's performance threshold requirements while accommodating a variety of payload and container options.

Sikorsky announced its USD15.5 million award from NAVAIR on 27 April. Near Earth Autonomy did not announce the value of its award or respond to questions as of this writing, but budget documents suggest the company received USD13.54 million in March 2026.