Textron Aviation and Merlin have introduced a concept Cessna SkyCourier UX aircraft at the Air, Space & Cyber Conference in National Harbor, Maryland, pairing the FAA-certified SkyCourier cargo platform with Merlin Pilot autonomy software. The concept is aimed at autonomous resupply for dispersed forces operating in contested environments where traditional logistics routes are constrained, vulnerable or unavailable.
The study positions the aircraft as a cost-efficient, scalable option between small tactical cargo drones and larger transport aircraft. Current design goals call for about 6,000 pounds of payload, space for up to three LD3 cargo containers and operations from unimproved or rough runways.
The concept also explores removing the cockpit to create more cargo space and adding a nose cargo door for freight loading. Secondary design work is examining fully autonomous takeoff and landing, along with possible kneeling or loading features.
Planned mission profiles include hub-and-spoke distribution, expeditionary base sustainment, medical supply delivery, repair parts transport and support for remote or island airfields. The programme remains a concept study rather than an order, certification or production launch.