Airbus Shows Off Futuristic Helicopter with No Cockpit

[Starmix]

According to the report, Airbus has brought a forward-looking twist to military aviation with its latest unmanned helicopter, the MQ-72C Lakota Connector, showcased during the 2025 Association of the US Army expo.

The report stated that the futuristic helicopter removes the traditional crew station to make room for modular cargo bays, ensuring safe delivery of vital battlefield supplies in hard-to-reach areas.

The report added that its frame takes cues from platforms already in service with the US Army, such as the H145 and UH-72, minus the cockpit. It is measuring over 44 feet long (13 meters) and 13 feet (four meters) high; the unmanned helicopter can reportedly travel more than 350 nautical miles (403 miles/648 kilometers) at altitudes up to 20,000 feet (6,096 meters).

In addition to the report, Airbus said the MQ-72C was built on the same production line that supplied previous army aircraft, highlighting its potential for quick deployment across different theaters. The tech is intended to allow the MQ-72C to navigate contested environments, deliver cargo, and return safely without putting crews at risk.

Source: NextGen Defense

 

[gwolf666]

The unveiling of Airbus’s MQ-72C Lakota Connector at the 2025 Association of the US Army expo is a clear signal of how unmanned aviation is evolving to meet battlefield demands. By removing the traditional crew station and replacing it with modular cargo bays, Airbus has prioritized logistics and safety, ensuring that critical supplies can reach troops in areas too dangerous for manned aircraft.
Its design, inspired by proven platforms like the H145 and UH-72, but stripped of the cockpit, shows a practical approach: leveraging existing technology while adapting it for autonomous missions. With a range of over 350 nautical miles and the ability to operate at altitudes up to 20,000 feet, the MQ-72C offers both endurance and versatility.
What makes it particularly compelling is its production line compatibility, allowing rapid deployment without reinventing infrastructure. In essence, Airbus is positioning the Lakota Connector as a reliable, scalable solution for contested environments where minimizing human risk is paramount.

 

[Starmix]

The futuristic helicopter removes the traditional crew station to make room for modular cargo bays, ensuring safe delivery of vital battlefield supplies in hard-to-reach areas. This is a testament that technology keeps on evolving. We now experience this kind of invention, a helicopter without a cockpit.