Sikorsky Collaborates with Robinson Helicopter Company to Integrate MATRIX™ Autonomy into Robinson R66 TURBINETRUCK
R66 TURBINETRUCK is purpose-built for commercial and defense missions
Robinson Unmanned's new R66 TURBINETRUCK equipped with Sikorsky's proven MATRIX™ autonomy system
ATLANTA, March 10, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Sikorsky, a Lockheed Martin company (NYSE:LMT), and Robinson Helicopter Company (RHC) unveiled the R66 TURBINETRUCK, a game-changing autonomous cargo helicopter that combines Sikorsky's proven MATRIX™ autonomy system with Robinson Unmanned's new cargo UAS helicopter. Developed through a collaborative agreement, the R66 TURBINETRUCK is a flexible, autonomous platform that can be configured for a range of utility missions, including cargo delivery and resupply, tailored to civil and military operators.
The R66 TURBINETRUCK is the 21st aircraft enabled by the MATRIX system and will leverage similar features from Sikorsky's new fully autonomous S-70UAS™ U-Hawk™. MATRIX has been validated on aircraft ranging from small drones to strategic airlift cargo planes, delivering more than 1,000 flight hours of operational data.
Executive Perspectives
"With every new platform we welcome into the MATRIX family, we widen the network of uncrewed systems to serve a variety of civil and military missions. We view the U-Hawk and R66 TURBINETRUCK as complementary bookends that meet emerging customer needs across defense and commercial segments, delivering seamless capability wherever the mission demands," said Rich Benton, vice president and general manager of Sikorsky. "Sikorsky's MATRIX autonomy suite is rapidly becoming the industry standard for safe, reliable and repeatable autonomy for those missions."
"This collaboration with Sikorsky allows us to extend the reach of the R66 into new mission-sets, while reinforcing our long-term commitment to building scalable, integrated unmanned systems," said David Smith, president and CEO of Robinson Helicopter Company. "We've taken years of flight-proven maturity and together we have optimized it for the future of autonomy. The R66 TURBINETRUCK offers an affordable and attritable custom cargo architecture designed for one thing: getting critical assets into the field autonomously and reliably."
Why It Matters
The TURBINETRUCK is ideal for remote-site resupply, contested logistics and disaster relief.
- Purpose-Built for Any Mission: The TURBINETRUCK is designed for internal and external cargo operations in contested environments. 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.
- Rapid Reconfiguration: The TURBINETRUCK and MATRIX both offer a modular open architecture approach to provide customers with flexibility to swap mission software and more.
- Commercial Airframe: Built on a proven, cost-effective airframe, the TURBINETRUCK offers a low acquisition cost and easily replaceable components, reducing total ownership cost and risk for both civil and defense operators.
- MATRIX Autonomy Integration: Sikorsky will integrate its industry-leading MATRIX suite, delivering reliable, repeatable autonomous capabilities that simplifies UAS operations while ensuring mission effectiveness and system-level safety. Like the Sikorsky U-Hawk, once loaded, an operator inputs mission goals via the MATRIX tablet. The MATRIX autonomy system automatically generates a flight plan, relying on cameras, sensors and algorithms to help navigate the TURBINETRUCK safely to its destination.
For more information, visit https://www.lockheedmartin.com/matrix or R66 TURBINETRUCK.
About Robinson Helicopter Company
For more than 50 years, Robinson Helicopter Company has focused on making helicopter missions accessible, reliable, and safe. By maintaining a vertically integrated manufacturing foundation in the United States, Robinson provides global operators with practical tools for modern missions. From its top-selling R22, R44, R66 helicopters, to an expanding portfolio including the 10-seat R88. With the addition of its new business unit, Robinson Unmanned, the company offers both small and large autonomous and remotely piloted aircraft (UAS) for civil, commercial, or defense missions. Robinson is committed to developing, manufacturing, and supporting the most reliable and efficient helicopters in the industry. Learn more at www.robinsonheli.com and RobinsonUnmanned.com.
About Robinson Unmanned
Robinson Unmanned is the uncrewed aircraft systems (UAS) business unit of Robinson Helicopter Company, focused on delivering scalable, aviation-grade VTOL platforms across civil and defense missions. Integrating modular open architecture, advanced autonomy technologies, and full-production rotorcraft platforms, Robinson Unmanned enables operators to extend capability while reducing human risk. From compact coaxial systems to heavy-lift autonomous rotorcraft, Robinson Unmanned delivers scalable, mission-ready aircraft built to perform. Learn more at RobinsonUnmanned.com.
About Lockheed Martin
Lockheed Martin is a global defense technology company driving innovation and advancing scientific discovery. Our all-domain mission solutions and 21st Century Security® vision accelerate the delivery of transformative technologies to ensure those we serve always stay ahead of ready. More information at lockheedmartin.com.
Contacts:
Robinson Helicopter Company
Robyn E. Eagles
[email protected]
323-547-5102
Robinson Unmanned
Amy Romano
[email protected]
617-845-3185
Lockheed Martin
Michael Johnston
[email protected]
860-797-3631
Photos accompanying this announcement are available at:
https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/6761724b-cb9b-40d5-9af0-596730abe03d
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