New Last Mile Resupply Solution Demonstrated

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Often referred to as ‘the last mile’, the final stage of supplying equipment to troops on the front line in challenging environments can be a lengthy and dangerous process. In the near future, autonomous resupply will support ground convoys and manned aircraft that today are at risk of attack when bringing warfighters the supplies they need to conduct their missions.

A new autonomous resupply solution for the US military is flying into reality. Near Earth Autonomy has developed unmanned aerial contingency management systems as part of a Joint Capabilities Technology (JCTD) Unmanned Logistics Systems Aerial (ULS-A) Demonstration. 

The technology offers obstacle avoidance for safe flight and landing enabling reliable cargo delivery in dynamic environments, according to the company’s announcement.

During an operational demonstration, 16 active-duty Army soldiers and Marines used the technology to safely execute 64 resupply missions. 

This was the first opportunity for the military users to interact with the ULS-A capability, uploading autonomy packages, downloading data, or operating as safety pilots.

The demonstration ended year 1 of the 3-year JCTD program. The US military plans to continue collaborating with Near Earth Autonomy to expand their autonomous resupply capabilities.