160th SOAR Landed Chinook on Autonomous Barge
The Army tested autonomous resupply at sea to extend helicopter range and flexibility.
Updated on Sept. 23, 2026 in Robotics
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The U.S. Army's 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment successfully conducted an MH-47G Chinook landing on a Sea Machines autonomous barge. This test demonstrated the capability of robotic maritime vessels to perform replenishment operations for heavy-lift helicopters.
Why it matters
Autonomous replenishment extends the operational reach and flexibility of helicopter fleets in contested environments. This shift helps mitigate risks from short-ranged armaments and interceptor drones currently facing front-line aviation units.
The SM300 autonomous conversion kit is a modular architecture compatible with vessels ranging from 20 to 30 feet to large barges. The system utilizes integrated hardware and software to enable long-range autonomous maritime operations.
The players
160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment
An elite U.S. Army unit specializing in unconventional warfare and helicopter support for special operations.
Sea Machines
A developer of autonomous control systems and software for maritime vessels and remote vessel operations.
The details
The Sea Machines SM300 system serves as an autonomous conversion kit that replaces manual vessel control with automated navigation and operation. By deploying this technology on a barge, the 160th SOAR enabled the helicopter to land and receive fuel or munitions during maritime transit. This approach effectively uses a robotic platform to minimize human exposure during high-risk replenishment missions.
Timeline
Early 2021: Sea Machines received notice to trial the SM300 conversion kit.
- 2026-09-23
Test event documented in published report.
The Tech Race
This development marks a shift in naval logistics by integrating autonomous surface platforms into vertical lift support chains. The move follows a broader military trend toward decentralized, robotic resupply to counter long-range threat environments.
This technology directly impacts military logistics workflows by reducing the need for manned escort vessels during replenishment. While currently focused on defense applications, the SM300 platform's modular design could eventually inform commercial automated shipping and refueling standards.
The takeaway
Autonomous barge operations offer a scalable solution for maintaining air assets in contested maritime zones without exposing additional personnel. Watch for further technical disclosures regarding the SM300's navigation range and payload limits in upcoming defense logistics reports.
Further reading
For more developments in this field, visit our Robotics section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Naval News.
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