Since arriving in Afghanistan 18 months ago, the Marine Corps’ two K-MAX unmanned helicopters have earned high marks for their ability to deliver cargo in support of operations in remote areas, while putting fewer lives at risk by lessening the need for ground convoys vulnerable to roadside bombs or ambushes.The Marine Corps, along with Naval Air Systems Command (NAVAIR), developed the two autonomously flying helicopters under an urgent requirement called Cargo Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS). After some testing, the vehicles…