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U.S. Marine Corps wants new cargo drones that fly 100 pounds 40 miles out
The US Navy has invited companies to demonstrate cargo drones for the Marine Corps' TRUAS Increment II programme in Huntsville, Alabama, from January 25 to February 5, 2027. Entrants must carry 100 pounds for 40 nautical miles and return empty without refuelling, then demonstrate a separate 150-pound mission over ten nautical miles each way. Aircraft must use heavy fuel or hybrid propulsion, cruise at least 50 knots and launch and recover without catapults or arresting equipment. Applications close November 30, 2026, and successful demonstrations may lead to prototype agreements, although no production quantity or contract value is guaranteed.