The TRV-150 is a stepping stone toward a more autonomous and resilient military logistics ecosystem in the age of drones.
The United States Army is rapidly embracing the new Revolution in Military Affairs (RMA) that is being spearheaded by the confluence of drone technology and artificial intelligence. One such system that is ensuring the Army maintains lethality in the dynamic threat environment of today’s modern battlefield is its “Tactical Resupply Vehicle-150” (TRV-150).
An electric, vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) cargo drone developed by Malloy Aeronautics out of the United Kingdom and distributed by SURVICE Engineering in the United States, this system emphasizes safely resupplying US Army forces operating in hostile environments. The TRV-150 seeks to keep ground forces continuously and reliably supplied at a time when conventional resupply capacities will be severely degraded by enemy countermeasures.
Logistics is, after all, the backbone of a successful military.
Understanding the TRV-150 Drone
The TRV-150 is a multirotor, quadcopter-style drone designed for autonomous or remotely controlled resupply missions. Its key specifications include a payload capacity of up to 150 pounds, sufficient to carry critical supplies like blood, medical kits, ammunition, or spare parts for combat vehicles. The TRV-150 has a maximum range of 43 miles, though this reduces to less than 10 miles, when fully loaded with 150 pounds.
These drones can achieve a cruising speed of around 67 miles per hour, enabling rapid delivery to forward positions. The flight time itself takes around 36 minutes, supported by easily replaceable lithium batteries for quick turnaround.
By using a distributed electric propulsion (DEP) system, as well as redundant avionics for enhanced reliability and safety, the eight-propeller drone can safely land even when a propeller fails. Its fixed skid landing gear and foldable propeller booms enable compact storage in a medium-sized case, transportable by a single operator.
TRV-150 employs waypoint navigation with pre-programmed coordinates, supporting autonomous missions. It can be controlled via a laptop or tablet, too, with integration into systems like the Android Tactical Assault Kit (ATAK) app for mission planning.
This drone’s compact design, combined with its ability to operate in adverse weather conditions—rain, gusty winds, Arctic snow, and desert heat—makes it a versatile platform for “last-mile” logistics in challenging environments. Its eVTOL capability eliminates the need for runways enabling deployments from ships, forward operating bases, or remote outposts.
By reducing the logistical footprint and risks associated with resupply missions, the makers of the TRV-150 are ensuring that US (and allied) ground forces can remain combat-effective at all times. It’s a low-signature, unmanned platform that can deliver supplies directly to frontline units without exposing additional personnel and expensive manned equipment to danger.
The TRV-150’s History of Success
Recent exercises highlight the drone’s operational impact. During US Central Command’s (CENTCOM) Driving Innovation and Realistic Training (DIRT) event, the US Army’s First Theater Sustainment Command tested the TRV-150 in a realistic battlefield scenario. In one case, a disabled Humvee was repaired using a 3D-printed part delivered by the drone, demonstrating its uncanny ability to provide timely support in austere conditions. Soldiers noted that the drone reduced delivery times from hours to minutes, enhancing mission readiness.
The US Army evaluated the TRV-150 during the Swift Response 25 NATO drills in Latvia in May of this year, where they focused on using the new drone for medical resupply. The drone successfully delivered simulated blood products to forward medical positions, showcasing its potential to improve casualty care in dispersed operations.
The US Marines, who co-developed this system with the Army, tested the TRV-150 with their Combat Logistics Battalion Eight during Bold Quest 24 last October. TRV-150 was tasked with delivering 84.88 pounds in medical supplies, including real blood, during a multinational drill at Camp Lejeune. This demonstrated its interoperability with allied forces during its role in time-sensitive medical logistics.
In 2023 and 2024, Finland and Norway—both members of NATO—tested the TRV-150 for its reliability in the extreme cold of the Arctic. The system proved itself worthy. Accordingly, it has been rated to operate in both the Arctic and mountainous warfare.
Of course, this system is limited, given that it is a prototype. Current lithium battery limitations restrict the drone’s range and payload capacity. While advancements in battery technology and potential wireless in-flight recharging are anticipated, they are not yet operational.
The TRV-150 Drone’s Limitations
By having a 150-pound limit, the TRV-150 cannot carry heavier equipment into combat. Thus, the Army is already exploring heavier-lift drones capable of carrying 800 pounds or more.
Operating the TRV-150 requires specialized training. Right now, only personnel approved by SURVICE or Malloy Aeronautics can currently operate the system. The Marine Corps is developing a Small Unmanned Logistics System—Air Specialist military occupational specialty to fill this critical gap. Scaling this training remains a hurdle. Additionally, policy complexities around drone operations in military airspace are more challenging than technical issues. While the TRV-150 leverages commercial-off-the-shelf (COTS) components to reduce costs, producing and maintaining a large fleet is expensive. Contracts for additional units, such as a $9.8 million deal for 31 TRV-150Cs in 2025, indicate ongoing investment, but budget constraints could limit widespread adoption.
However, the TRV-150 is a stepping stone toward a more autonomous and resilient military logistics ecosystem in the age of drones. The US Army, with the help of the Marines, plans to field three to six units per logistics battalion by 2028, integrating them into standard operations. The drone’s success has also spurred interest in scaling the TRV family of drones, with variants like the TRV-400 and TRV-600 offering payload capacities up to 650 pounds for larger missions.
The US Army Understands the Future of Warfare
Beyond logistics, the TRV-150’s modular design supports potential applications in search and rescue, disaster relief, aerial survey, and base security. Its ability to integrate with emerging technologies—notably AI-driven autonomy and swarm tactics, could enable coordinated resupply missions in highly contested environments.
TRV-150 and its successors will undoubtedly redefine how militaries sustain forces on the battlefield, ensuring that soldiers receive critical supplies when and where they need them most.
About the Author: Brandon J. Weichert
Brandon J. Weichert, a Senior National Security Editor at The National Interest as well as a contributor at Popular Mechanics, who consults regularly with various government institutions and private organizations on geopolitical issues. Weichert’s writings have appeared in multiple publications, including the Washington Times, National Review, The American Spectator, MSN, the Asia Times, and countless others. His books include Winning Space: How America Remains a Superpower, Biohacked: China’s Race to Control Life, and The Shadow War: Iran’s Quest for Supremacy. His newest book, A Disaster of Our Own Making: How the West Lost Ukraine is available for purchase wherever books are sold. He can be followed via Twitter @WeTheBrandon.
Image: Wikimedia Commons.
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