Textron Aviation, Merlin unveil autonomous Cessna SkyCourier UX concept aircraft
TXT•Autonomous SkyCourier concept targets pilot-optional resupply
Textron Aviation introduced a Cessna SkyCourier UX concept aircraft built on the SkyCourier platform with Merlin autonomy software.
The concept targets autonomous or pilot-optional resupply in contested environments, aiming to expand logistics options without using crewed aircraft.
Design objectives call for about 6,000 pounds of payload, capacity for up to three LD3 containers, and operations from austere runways.
Textron Aviation cited the SkyCourier’s FAA-certified, in-production status as a pathway to scalable manufacturing and support for future autonomous logistics.
