Globemasters to undergo autonomous flightline inspections
C-17 Globemaster III aircraft. (Photo :USAF/David Tucker)
USAF enlists RE2 Robotics to provide autonomous systems
RE2 Robotics on September 28 announced its selection by the USAF Rapid Sustainment Office to develop an autonomous flightline inspection and sustainment system latest procurement.
The US Army is already testing autonomous refuelling with RE2 for AH-64E Apache helicopters.
The Mobile Autonomous Aircraft Platform for Sustainment (MAAPS) will focus on the development of dual RE2 Sapien robotic arms integrated with a JLG scissor lift to perform tasks at height on C-17 Globemaster III military aircraft.
MAAPS will focus on autonomous performance of tasks that are part of the pre- and post-flight inspection of C-17 aircraft, such as at-height visual inspection of the fuselage, wings and tail.
By enabling these tasks to be performed by a robotic system, MAAPS will reduce the workload on military personnel.
Related Equipment in Defence Insight
More from Air Warfare
-
![US Marines seek suppliers for 10,000 low-cost sUAS with first delivery targeted for April]()
US Marines seek suppliers for 10,000 low-cost sUAS with first delivery targeted for April
The US Marine Corps is looking for vendors capable of quickly delivering off-the-shelf drones. The small uncrewed aerial systems are expected to carry diverse types of payloads.
-
![Can emergent suppliers of fighter aircraft crack Middle East markets?]()
Can emergent suppliers of fighter aircraft crack Middle East markets?
The 2025 Dubai Airshow saw several aspiring suppliers of combat aircraft to the region’s air forces parade their wares in the sky and on the ground. Shephard’s Edward Hunt explores their chance of success in the Middle East.
-
![Northrop Grumman and Kratos team up to develop US Marine Corps CCA]()
Northrop Grumman and Kratos team up to develop US Marine Corps CCA
Northrop Grumman will provide the autonomy software for the USMC loyal wingman, which will be integrated into Kratos’ XQ-58 Valkyrie uncrewed aerial system.
-
![Saab eyes fresh market opportunities for its GlobalEye AEW&C aircraft]()
Saab eyes fresh market opportunities for its GlobalEye AEW&C aircraft
As the E-7 Wedgetail faces prolonged production and technical delays as well as a recently abandoned contract from NATO, its competitor, the GlobalEye, may find new avenues for market growth.
