Bell to support development of uncrewed aerial resupply platform under MARV-EL Increment 2

PROGRAMME FOCUS

FORT WORTH, TEXAS — Bell Textron Inc. has been selected by Near Earth Autonomy to provide a Bell 505 airframe for the United States Marine Corps Aerial Resupply Vehicle – Expeditionary Logistics (MARV-EL) Increment 2 programme.

The initiative aims to prototype an uncrewed logistics aircraft capable of supporting tactical resupply operations in contested environments, positioned as a middle-weight autonomous aerial logistics asset.

AUTONOMY INTEGRATION

Bell’s role will focus on engineering support and platform modification, adapting the Bell 505 to enable autonomous flight capability and enhanced cargo handling. The aircraft is expected to accommodate a range of payloads and standardised containers while meeting or exceeding MARV-EL performance thresholds.

The programme reflects a broader operational shift towards autonomous resupply solutions, particularly for environments where traditional logistics chains may be constrained or exposed.

DEVELOPMENT CONTEXT

The collaboration builds on prior work between Bell and Near Earth Autonomy, including integration efforts on Bell’s Aircraft Laboratory for Future Autonomy (ALFA) platform. Demonstrations have previously focused on advanced perception systems supporting autonomous flight operations.

The MARV-EL Increment 2 programme forms part of ongoing efforts to expand autonomous capabilities within military logistics, with emphasis on operational flexibility and reduced risk to personnel.