Bell’s Autonomous Pod Transport Demonstrates New Aerial Resupply Feature

Recently, the Bell Autonomous Pod Transport (APT) demonstrated its ability to airdrop supplies, which allows for quick resupply to troops out in austere locations.

APT can carry two standard tactical packs, each capable of holding up to 60 lbs. with a max payload of 100 lbs. These bags can be aerial dropped at one location or at two separate locations and can hold items such as ammo cans, water, medical supplies, or fuel.

APT will enable faster and more efficient resupply since the vehicle will simply drop the goods quickly near the location and personnel can immediately retrieve supplies without needing to wait for aircraft to land and takeoff. The aerial supply-drop feature conserves battery power by minimizing hover time, which can extend the vehicle’s mission range and time. The aerial supply-drop increases survivability of the aircraft and helps keep ground forces concealed by minimizing time at the drop zone and allows the system to serve the most austere locations with ease.   

To date, the APT flight test program has completed over 420 flights at Yuma, Camp Lejeune, Fort Benning and other austere test sites and is expected to reach additional milestones by early 2022. Follow on development will include precision aerial supply-drops while flying at a cruise speed of 80 mph. 

To view the bag drop, click here.