USN contracts PteroDynamics to deliver VTOL cargo aircraft
PteroDynamics’ VTOL UAS design. (Photo: PteroDynamics.)
Using UAS to transport cargo would free up helicopters and V-22 aircraft for other missions.
The US Naval Air Warfare Centre Aircraft Division (NAWCAD) has contracted Vertical take-off and landing (VTOL) aircraft developer PteroDynamics to deliver three VTOL prototypes for the Blue Water Maritime Logistics UAS (BWUAS) programme.
PteroDynamics’ CEO Matthew Graczyk said the company was honoured to have been selected, adding: ‘This contract is the start of an important partnership, and we look forward to delivering the prototypes to NAWCAD.’
The BWUAS programme stems from the Military Sealift Command and Fleet Forces Command, in 2018, identifying a requirement for the USN to develop an autonomous UAS cargo delivery capability.
At the time, analysis found that 90% of ‘critical repair cargo’ delivered at sea via rotorcraft weighed less than 22.6kg.
NAWCAD Blue Water project lead Bill Macchione said: ‘Using unmanned, autonomous aircraft for delivery of these critical payloads is an important capability for the Navy to have,
‘The innovative design of PteroDynamics offers significant potential for both military and civilian missions.’
Val Petrov, PteroDynamics’ founder and CTO, said the company’s design was well-suited for shipborne operations ‘where windy conditions and tight spaces challenge other VTOL aircraft during take-offs and landings’.
Related Programmes in Defence Insight
Blue Water Maritime Logistics UAS (BWUAS) [USA]
Related Equipment in Defence Insight
More from Air Warfare
-
![The potential impact of US tariffs on the F-35A]()
The potential impact of US tariffs on the F-35A
The Trump administration’s proposed tariffs have raised questions on the desirability and feasibility of the F-35A for key US allies including Canada and Switzerland. With combined orders amounting to 126 units, both nations undertook reviews of their ongoing fighter programmes.
-
![AUSA 2025: US Army and Bell squeeze MV-75 programme]()
AUSA 2025: US Army and Bell squeeze MV-75 programme
The MV-75, previously V-280, was originally designed as an assault aircraft which would replace some of the Black Hawk helicopters and add speed as a tilt-rotor platform. It is now envisioned to add a greater multirole capability reminiscent of the Black Hawk fleet.
-
![Germany signs contract for 20 Tranche 5 Eurofighters]()
Germany signs contract for 20 Tranche 5 Eurofighters
The aircraft will be delivered between 2031 and 2034 and will be upgraded with the latest electronic warfare capabilities to the EK configuration.
