WASHINGTON, D.C., June 5, 2025 — The U.S. Marine Corps is stepping up its frontline logistics game with the integration of a lightweight, intelligent autonomy module onto its tactical resupply drones. Near Earth Autonomy, a Pittsburgh-based tech firm specializing in uncrewed aerial systems, has been awarded a contract to embed its Firefly miniaturized autonomy system into the TRV-150 platform — a Group 3 UAS designed to deliver critical supplies in contested environments.
At SpaceAutonomy.ai, we see this as another clear signal that autonomous logistics are no longer an emerging concept — they’re operational, scalable, and combat-ready.
Tactical Autonomy, Minimal Footprint
The TRV-150, built by SURVICE Engineering and Malloy Aeronautics, can carry up to 120 pounds of cargo over a 9 km combat radius at 50 knots — all autonomously. But operating at low altitudes to avoid detection comes with risks: buildings, trees, power lines, and unpredictable obstacles. That’s where Firefly steps in.
“It’s designed for real-world complexity — not lab conditions,” says SpaceAutonomy.ai.
Weighing in at just two pounds, Firefly delivers the kind of situational awareness and adaptive navigation typically reserved for larger drones — without compromising payload capacity.
Smarter Resupply in the Field
The system enhances the TRV-150’s ability to:
- Detect and avoid obstacles mid-flight
- Reroute or abort landings if the LZ is blocked, sloped, or flooded
- Land safely in tight, cluttered environments
- Operate in GPS-denied zones, a growing concern in modern electronic warfare
The compact autonomy package is already undergoing testing on TRV-150s currently in the Marine Corps inventory, with additional capabilities being layered in.
“You can’t afford to sacrifice 10 pounds of capacity just to fly smart,” Near Earth Autonomy’s leadership noted at the Modern Day Marine conference. “That’s why Firefly is engineered to weigh next to nothing — and think like a much larger system.”
Looking Ahead
As autonomy continues to redefine the tactical edge, the TRV-150 + Firefly combination offers a compelling model for other military branches and allied forces looking to bolster logistics under threat. Whether it’s ammo, blood packs, or mission-critical tools — getting it there safely, without risking personnel, is the new gold standard.