Army Selects LIFT Aircraft and Near Earth Autonomy to Develop Uncrewed Blood Delivery & Casualty Evacuation System

LIFT Aircraft (LIFT) announced today that they have been awarded a contract by the US Army Applications Laboratory (AAL) to develop a modular multi-mission medical payload. This container is designed for critical tasks such as transporting blood supplies and conducting casualty evacuations (CASEVAC). LIFT has partnered with Near Earth Autonomy (Near Earth) to tackle one of the Army's major challenges: the need for autonomous systems to carry out these missions during the vital "golden hour," the critical period following trauma when rapid medical intervention can significantly improve survival rates.

MAJ Rickey Royal highlighted the limitations of current practices, stating, "Relying on crewed vehicles for blood resupply and CASEVAC in contested areas presents significant difficulties. The Army has a pressing need for a modular, multi-mission payload with climate control and telemedicine capabilities that can be deployed via autonomous aerial or ground platforms. An autonomous solution will enhance the speed and efficiency of casualty evacuations and medical supply deliveries."

This contract is part of the Special Program Awards for Required Technology Needs (SPARTN) program, which leverages Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) funding to drive innovation at the pace of business. SPARTN streamlines the contracting and payment processes, enabling the Army to quickly engage with the most qualified companies offering the best solutions.

The modular medical payload system being developed by LIFT and Near Earth prioritizes rapid deployment and integration with existing military operations. It is designed to be highly adaptable, easily incorporated into various transport methods, and features climate control to maintain blood supply temperatures. Additionally, the system will include vital signs tracking monitors, using proven technologies to enhance battlefield medical support.

Matt Chasen, Founder and CEO of LIFT, expressed excitement about the partnership, stating, "After multiple contracts with the US Air Force, we’re thrilled to continue our work with the Army, which holds broader implications for the Department of Defense. Our selection for this project reinforces our readiness to expand into defense applications. We are confident this collaboration will ensure swift, autonomous delivery of blood and casualty evacuation services, ultimately saving lives."

Upon completion of the contract, LIFT will demonstrate the modular medical payload’s capabilities by transporting it using both air and ground vehicles, including the HEXA Cargo platform, which is part of LIFT’s modular system already tested by the USAF.

Near Earth Autonomy brings extensive experience in autonomous medical logistics, having previously worked on projects like the Army Combat Medic autonomous CASEVAC helicopter and Project Crimson, which involved blood delivery and was nominated for the AUVSI Xcellence in Mission — Humanitarian Award. Near Earth has also contributed to other significant defense logistics programs, including the USMC Logistics Connector, MARV-EL, and the OSD Joint Capability Technology Demonstration for Unmanned Logistics Systems – Aerial.

Sanjiv Singh, CEO of Near Earth Autonomy, emphasized the collaboration’s significance, stating, "Our partnership integrates proven aircraft, autonomy, and medical technologies to address urgent battlefield needs. Over the next 12 months, we will develop, test, and demonstrate this system. The synergy between LIFT’s HEXA and our autonomy systems makes for an efficient combination that can revolutionize battlefield medical support while minimizing costs and delays. The sooner we prove its effectiveness and reliability, the sooner it can be deployed to save lives."