Sikorsky, a Lockheed Martin company, and Robinson Helicopter Company have unveiled the R66 Turbinetruck, an autonomous cargo variant of the R66 turbine-powered light helicopter. The platform integrates Sikorsky’s MATRIX autonomy system, enabling fully autonomous or remote-piloted flight for utility missions including cargo delivery, resupply, and disaster relief.
Developed collaboratively, the R66 Turbinetruck replaces the cockpit with front-opening clamshell doors to simplify loading of palletized cargo via forklift. This modification removes manual flight controls and crew stations, reducing empty weight and increasing useful load to 1,500 lb (680 kg) from 1,420 lb on the standard R66. The aircraft supports internal payloads up to 1,200 lb (544 kg) or external loads via cargo hook, with a maximum gross weight of 2,900 lb (1,315 kg).
Powered by a Rolls-Royce RR300 turboshaft engine, it achieves cruise speeds of 110-120 knots and ranges of 260-350 nautical miles with standard fuel. The MATRIX system, validated on 21 aircraft including the S-70UAS U-Hawk, generates flight plans from tablet inputs, using cameras, sensors, and algorithms for navigation. Robinson has established Robinson Unmanned, a new division housing uncrewed projects like the Turbinetruck, Airtruck, and Sprayhawk, led by Paul Fermo.
The design offers modular open architecture for rapid mission reconfiguration, low acquisition costs from the proven R66 airframe, and suitability for civil and military operations in austere or contested environments. Sikorsky and Robinson engineers have flight-tested MATRIX on non-R66 platforms in preparation for integration.