Textron and Merlin unveil autonomous SkyCourier UX concept

Textron Aviation has revealed a concept aircraft based on its Cessna 408 SkyCourier, combining the twin turboprop with autonomous aviation software developed with Merlin. The company presented the design on Monday at the Air & Space Forces Association's Air, Space & Cyber Conference in National Harbor, Maryland.

According to Textron, the aircraft is intended for military logistics work that falls between the capabilities of small tactical cargo drones and large military transports. The company said the concept is meant to improve cargo accessibility, make better use of available volume, and allow operations from rough or unprepared sites.

Textron said in a news release that not every logistics task needs a large airlifter, and that many autonomous cargo systems cannot carry enough for sustainment missions. The manufacturer described the SkyCourier UX as a light-lift, medium-payload fixed-wing aircraft able to take off and land on unimproved runways.

The announcement follows a rise in military interest in aircraft that can supply forces in dispersed areas, including the Indo-Pacific. Textron said the concept responds to that interest and is being examined for situations where normal supply routes are limited or unavailable.

Bob Gibbs, vice president of Textron Aviation Defense and special mission sales, said military planners are increasingly focused on sustaining forces in distributed and contested environments, and that the concept reflects the company's work on practical solutions using certified products with new adaptations.

The unveiling comes a few months after Textron announced the first military order for the Cessna 408 SkyCourier.