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Heavy-Lift Cargo / Resupply UAV

Rotary-Wing UAVThreat: Medium

Large multirotor or helicopter-type UAV designed for logistics and battlefield resupply. Delivers ammunition, medical supplies, and equipment to forward positions without risking personnel on dangerous supply routes.

Technical Specifications

range
20–100 km
speed
60–100 km/h
payload
20–200 kg
endurance
30–90 min
frequency
Military encrypted datalink
cost Estimate
$50,000–$500,000
altitude
Up to 3,000 m
weight
50–500 kg

Tactical Roles

Resupply

Advantages

  • + Reduces risk to logistics personnel
  • + Can reach isolated or cut-off positions
  • + Operates day and night
  • + No road infrastructure needed
  • + Fast turnaround for urgent resupply

Disadvantages

  • Large size makes detection easy
  • High-value target — expensive to lose
  • Limited payload vs ground vehicles
  • Loud acoustic signature
  • Expensive to acquire and maintain

Real-World Usage

  • China developing heavy-lift UAVs for military logistics
  • Ukraine testing supply drones for isolated trench positions
  • US military exploring autonomous aerial resupply programs

Counters This Drone

Countermeasures ranked by effectiveness — tap any system for details

ⓘ No public sources attached — values are doctrinal generalizations, not intelligence assessments.