Sikorsky, a Lockheed Martin Corp. (NYSE:LMT) company, and Robinson Helicopter Company (RHC) unveiled the R66 Turbinetruck on Tuesday — an autonomous cargo helicopter built for military resupply and civil logistics missions.
What Is the R66 TURBINETRUCK?
The R66 Turbinetruck combines Robinson Unmanned’s new cargo UAS airframe with Sikorsky’s Matrix autonomy system. It becomes the 21st aircraft enabled by Matrix. The system has logged more than 1,000 flight hours across platforms — from small drones to strategic airlift cargo planes.
Without the cockpit and crew stations, the aircraft features a high-volume fuselage, cargo floor, and a nose-mounted clamshell door to facilitate rapid loading of palletized freight.
How MATRIX Autonomy Works
An operator inputs mission goals via a Matrix tablet once the aircraft is loaded. The system then auto-generates a flight plan. Cameras, sensors, and algorithms handle navigation — no pilot required.
The platform shares architecture with Sikorsky’s fully autonomous S-70UAS U-Hawk.
Why Defense Investors Are Watching LMT
The unveiling arrives as LMT stock has climbed nearly 31.82% year-to-date, per Benzinga Pro data, driven by escalating conflict near the Strait of Hormuz and surging Pentagon demand. Lockheed Martin has committed to quadrupling munitions output amid the Iran conflict.
President Donald Trump has floated a supplemental budget request to boost munitions production. LMT carries a record backlog of nearly $200 billion.
LMT Price Action: Lockheed Martin shares were down 1.03% at $657.33 at the time of publication on Tuesday, according to Benzinga Pro data.
Photo by JHVEPhoto via Shutterstock
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