Autonomous Cessna SkyCourier revealed with cockpit removed for forward cargo loading

Textron Aviation and autonomous aerospace specialist Merlin have unveiled an uncrewed version of the Cessna SkyCourier, which is designed to carry supplies to forces deployed in hazardous areas and battle zones.

Notably, the companies are exploring an innovative configuration for the new variant that would remove the cockpit altogether, and replace it with a loading arrangement. 

Revealed at the Air, Space & Cyber Conference on September 14, the SkyCourier UX concept combines the existing twin-engine turboprop with Merlin’s autonomous flight software. 

Textron explores removing cockpit to add cargo capacity

The companies are studying how removing the crew could allow the aircraft to be redesigned around its key capability of develiering cargo. This would include a forward-loading capability which would sit in place of the conventional flight deck.

The concept is designed to assist with the movement of military equipment and personnel. 

Rather than replacing large military airlifters, the companies said the SkyCourier UX could occult a middle ground between cargo drones and conventional transporters such as the Lockheed C-5 Galaxy and the Boeing C-17 Globemaster III.

Under plans being worked on for the Cessna SkyCourier, a forward-loading cargo architecture would replace the traditional cockpit space with additional cargo capacity while providing direct access through a large nose opening. 

Kneeling landing gear would improve access in remote areas

The aircraft could also incorporate kneeling landing gear and automated loading systems, allowing cargo to be moved into the aircraft without the need for epxnsive ground equipment. This would potentially reduce the personnel and time required to operate from remote and “contested” locations.

Textron and Merlin – which has been working on AI-assisted autonomous flight technology for commercial cargo aircraft – have presented the configuration today as a concept rather than a finished design or production aircraft.

Engineering studies are still required to assess how the proposed design could be developed.

“The future of contested logistics needs more capacity and access to places we wouldn’t risk a crew,” said Matt George, CEO and founder of Merlin. 

“Merlin Pilot has already flown hundreds of autonomous flights on Cessna Caravans, Beechcraft King Airs and other aircraft. 

“This concept pairs it with a proven platform, the Cessna SkyCourier, to explore what an aircraft could look like when it’s designed around autonomy and cargo instead of a crew. Solving contested logistics today takes proven autonomy and a proven airframe.”

Impressive performance of the upgraded SkyCourier

The SkyCourier UX would retain the basic attributes of the existing aircraft, including its twin-engine turboprop configuration and ability to operate from unimproved runways.

The companies say the autonomous aircraft would be capable of carrying approximately 6,000lb of payload, with space for up to three LD3 cargo containers – the lower-deck cargo container used by commercial aircraft.

Merlin’s system is intended to enable fully autonomous take-off and landing, with the company having already conducted autonomous flights using Cessna Caravans, Beechcraft King Airs and other aircraft.

The SkyCourier provides a substantially larger platform for that technology, and its payload capacity would allow it to move cargo between larger hubs.

Autonomous technology allows aircraft to operate in high-risk areas

The autonomous configuration could also allow the aircraft to undertake missions that military personnel would be unwilling to assign to a crewed aircraft. 

George said the concept was intended to provide “more capacity and access to places we wouldn’t risk a crew”.

The conventional SkyCourier, a twin-turboprop utility platform, is a mainstay of the US military.

The platform has a cruising speed of 210kts (240mph or 390km/h) and a ferry range of 920nmi (1,060 miles or 1,700km). With a full complement of passengers and/or cargo, the aircraft’s effective range falls to 386nmi (444 miles or 715km). 

In February, Belgium announced plans to acquire a fleet of five Cessna 408 SkyCourier aircraft, a move that would see the Belgian Air Force become the first military operator of the type.