Elroy Air on Dec. 16 announced the release of the Chaparral, an unmanned hybrid electric aircraft capable of carrying up to 300 pounds of cargo over 300 miles without the need for airports.
Founded in 2016 by David Merrill and Clint Cope, Elroy Air has worked to create system applications for air cargo delivery for commercial, humanitarian, and military purposes.
“We aim to be a catalyst. Our goal is to create a new wave of transportation that does not rely on infrastructure,” said Kofi Asante, the head of strategy and business development for Elroy Air.
According to Asante, there are more than 1 billion people who live outside the reach of reliable roadways, and governments, humanitarian agencies and commercial operations around the world are looking for ways to deliver medical supplies, parcels, equipment parts and perishables.
The Chaparral has vertical takeoff and landing capabilities that allow every flat surface to become a potential delivery location. The cargo containers detach from the aircraft and once it is packed with goods, it is set aside and prepared for pickup. The Chaparral hovers over the container, picks up the cargo, then takes off vertically.
Source: American Shipper