Machine Nation News Team
August 18, 2025 at 10:00:00 AM
Piasecki Aircraft Corp, A Pioneer In Vertical Flight, Introduced Its Latest Autonomous Vertical
Take-Off And Landing (VTOL) Logistics Product
Piasecki Aircraft Corporation (PiAC), a Pennsylvania-based VTOL pioneer, introduced KARGO II, a next-generation autonomous VTOL logistics product, on August 14, 2025, building on its April 2025 acquisition of Kaman Air Vehicles’ KARGO UAV program. The medium-lift UAV, with a 1,500-pound payload and 300-mile range, features advanced flight controls and modular design for defense and commercial cargo, demonstrated with U.S. Marine Corps and Army contracts. Manufactured at PiAC’s Heliplex in Coatesville, the project creates 50 jobs,
supporting Pennsylvania’s 20,000-strong manufacturing workforce. Targeting a $5 billion cargo UAS market, KARGO II aligns with President Trump’s 10% global tariffs. CEO John Piasecki stated, “KARGO II revolutionizes expeditionary logistics, extending our VTOL legacy.”
For the precision machining industry, PiAC’s KARGO II emphasizes the critical role of tool geometry in VTOL component manufacturing. Parts like rotor hubs require CNC milling with precise tool geometry—such as end mills with 30–45° helix angles—to achieve tolerances within ±0.0005 inches and surface roughness as low as Ra 4 µin for titanium alloys. 5-axis milling machines, optimized for tool geometry to ensure chip evacuation, support automated production with real-time quality control. The project drives demand for local machine shops to supply precision tooling, adopting Industry 4.0 technologies like AI-driven milling and additive
manufacturing. As part of a $50 billion precision manufacturing market, this initiative creates opportunities for suppliers in Pennsylvania, where manufacturing jobs grew 2% since 2022, strengthening VTOL supply chains.
Source:
Aerospace Manufacturing and Design
Social Media Buzz (powered by X):
X is soaring over Piasecki’s KARGO II launch, with posts from August 14–20, 2025, calling it a “cargo VTOL breakthrough.” Users praised the 50 jobs, with one noting, “Coatesville’s vertical flight legacy lives on!” while another tied it to “reshoring drone logistics.” Some questioned the 1,500-pound payload’s scalability. The X lift-off is high with innovation thrill but grounded in practical doubts.
What is the KEY TERM?
This is one of many key terms of our broad Machine Nation Essential Modern Precision Industries Guidebook (MPIG). Click here to get a copy straight to your inbox.
Tool Geometry - The shape and angles of a CNC milling tool’s cutting edges, critical for efficient chip evacuation and precision in component production.
Why do we think that sustainability should be a core focus of your business?
At Machine Nation, we empower machine shops with cutting-edge insights, solutions, and technology to drive efficiency, precision, and profitability. From industry news to expert-driven strategies, we help manufacturers stay ahead in an evolving landscape. Partner with us to optimize your operations and shape the future of precision machining.
Related Tags:
#PiaseckiKARGOII #VTOLLogistics #ToolGeometry #PrecisionMachining #AutonomousDrones #Reshoring