Robinson Unmanned R44 AirTruck Successfully Demonstrates Offshore Cargo Capabilities
Torrance, CA / New Iberia, LA — September 9, 2026 — Robinson Unmanned’s R44 AIRTRUCK, a heavy-lift remotely piloted cargo helicopter, has successfully completed a series of demonstration flights at Acadiana Regional Airport (KARA) in New Iberia, Louisiana. The demonstrations showcased the AIRTRUCK’s readiness to revolutionize offshore logistics operations.
The demonstrations, conducted on September 2 and 3 by the Aviation Academy of Louisiana (AAL) — an authorized Robinson dealer and service center, were attended by PHI Aviation along with invited industry and government observers. Over two days, the AIRTRUCK proved its operational prowess by performing a series of tasks including:
- Cargo loading and unloading
- Elevated deck landings
- Precision positioning
- Full airspace integration
The AIRTRUCK repeatedly approached a platform configured to replicate an offshore oil rig deck, showcasing its potential for real-world applications.
Built on the Robinson R44 airframe — the world’s most-produced helicopter platform, the AIRTRUCK uses Rotor Technologies’ RPX unmanned flight system for remote operations. The aircraft boasts impressive specifications, including:
- A useful load of up to 1,000 pounds
- More than 60 cubic feet of internal cargo volume
- A cruise speed of over 100 knots
- A maximum operating altitude of 14,000 feet
Operations require only a two-person crew: one remote pilot in command and one ground support crew member. This represents a significantly smaller footprint than conventional crewed logistics flights.
Robinson Unmanned is also participating in the Pentagon’s Drone Dominance Program. The AIRTRUCK represents the heavy-lift end of its growing uncrewed aircraft portfolio, which spans from sub-250-gram drones to full-size autonomous helicopters.