PATUXENT RIVER, Md. — The Navy and Marine Corps Multi-Mission Tactical Unmanned Aerial Systems program office (PMA-266) has delivered a state-of-the-art aircraft towing solution to a Marine Corps squadron at Cherry Point, North Carolina. The TowFLEXX TF-3 Milspec, a remote-controlled tug, was handed over in under four months, addressing urgent operational needs with unprecedented speed. The system enhances aircraft maneuvering precision for the Marine Aviation Group 14 under the 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing.
Developed in partnership with SupplyCore, the TowFLEXX TF-3 allows a single operator to move military aircraft with 360-degree turns in tight spaces while keeping the nose wheel aligned. This capability is critical for the MQ-9A Reaper operations, where hangar and flight line areas are often constrained. The delivery, completed in late March 2025, marks a significant leap in supporting the Marine Corps’ growing unmanned aircraft community.
Capt. Dennis Monagle, PMA-266 program manager, highlighted the rapid timeline. “What typically would have taken years in development was accomplished in less than four months,” he said. “This demonstrates our team’s ability to rapidly respond to urgent fleet requirements.” The effort leveraged the Defense Logistics Agency’s Special Operational Equipment Tailored Logistic Support Program, bypassing traditional acquisition delays while meeting strict safety standards.
Maj. Jeff Kennedy, PMA-266 warfighter readiness deputy, emphasized the system’s rigorous validation. “The TowFLEXX technology underwent comprehensive validation to ensure compliance with Naval Aviation Enterprise safety requirements,” he said. “What makes this system special is its adaptability across multiple aircraft platforms while remaining expeditionary in nature.” The tug’s design supports the MQ-9A Reaper, a key asset for reconnaissance, surveillance, and target acquisition, managed by PMA-266.
The Marine Corps’ 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing at Cherry Point will integrate the TowFLEXX TF-3 into daily operations, starting with the MQ-9A fleet. The system’s remote operation and compact maneuverability address logistical challenges in expeditionary settings, a priority as the Marine Corps expands its unmanned aerial capabilities. According to the U.S. Department of Defense, the MQ-9A enhances multi-mission flexibility, making efficient ground support tools like the TF-3 increasingly vital.
The project reflects PMA-266’s focus on fleet-driven innovation. By streamlining acquisition and prioritizing combat readiness, the team delivered a practical solution tailored to real-world demands. SupplyCore, a defense contractor specializing in logistics, played a key role in meeting the accelerated timeline without compromising quality.
This deployment aligns with broader efforts to modernize naval aviation support. The TowFLEXX TF-3’s success could pave the way for wider adoption across other platforms, bolstering operational efficiency. For now, it stands as a testament to PMA-266’s ability to adapt and deliver under pressure, ensuring Marine Corps aviators have the tools needed to maintain mission readiness.
