NEW IBERIA, La. (KLFY) — A heavy-lift drone capable of carrying up to 1,000 pounds of cargo is being tested in New Iberia for a potential future role delivering supplies to offshore platforms in the Gulf.
The R44 AIRTRUCK is built from Robinson Helicopter Company’s R44 helicopter, but unlike a traditional helicopter, there is no pilot on board. Instead, a pilot controls the aircraft remotely from a ground control station.
Craig Simon with Aviation Academy of Louisiana said only two R44 AIRTRUCKS currently exist, and both were brought to New Iberia for a recent demonstration. The testing is focused on whether the aircraft could meet the demands of offshore operations…