On August 7, The Defense Post reported that the Air Force Research Laboratory awarded DZYNE Technologies more than $6 million to advance the Long-Range Grasshopper, a runway-independent autonomous aerial-resupply platform.
The new effort is intended to improve the system’s ability to deliver supplies over long distances into austere and contested locations, supporting the Air Force’s Agile Combat Employment strategy. Prior Grasshopper testing validated autonomous deployment, jet-engine air start, extended-range navigation and precision payload delivery.
Development will build on the existing expendable Grasshopper glider, which can deliver payloads of up to 500 pounds, while moving toward a powered, longer-range version.
Why it matters: Autonomous logistics could reduce the need to expose C-130s, C-17s and crews to increasingly dangerous forward airspace. Small autonomous cargo aircraft could instead move ammunition, medical supplies, batteries and spare parts between dispersed operating locations.
