During the recent Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC) military exercise, the Navy showcased an innovative approach by successfully using drones to deliver critical supplies to the destroyer USS Curtis Wilbur.

This marks a significant step as the Navy looks to further integrate unmanned aerial systems (UAS) into its operations. Traditionally, manned aircraft handle these supply runs, but they are high-cost and face crew shortages. Drones, on the other hand, offer a promising solution to these challenges.

Testing New Technology on the High Seas

The Curtis Wilbur used the Skyways V2.6 and PteroDynamics X-P4 to conduct flight tests from June 19 to June 24.

Drones 2
Michael Uridil places a Flexrotor long-range robotic aircraft on the flight deck of the guided-missile destroyer USS McFaul (DDG 74) during flight operations on July 23, 2023. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Juel Foster / DVIDS)

These tests were part of the Just In Time Delivery logistics effort, which was conducted in collaboration with the Naval Air Warfare Center Aircraft Division. The ship successfully launched and recovered six drones, demonstrating the potential of these unmanned systems to perform critical supply deliveries.

Curtis Wilbur Commanding Officer Cmdr. Yilei Liu emphasized the importance of these tests.

He said:

“The Navy continues to drive rapid experimentation and implementation of new technologies. While easy to configure and ready to deploy, it is vital to evaluate these technologies in different environmental conditions to define and scope the operating envelopes of these highly capable platforms.”

These drones are designed to assist in delivering repair cargo, potentially revolutionizing how supplies are transported within the fleet.

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