Drones Modern Flying

Elroy Air’s Autonomous Chaparral Delivers Lunch on A-to-B Flight

Company aims to build its first production-intent Chaparral aircraft in 2026 before ramping up to high-rate production.

Friday, December 19, 2025 at 12:29 PM ET

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Elroy Air’s autonomous Chaparral comes in for a landing after completing its first point-to-point cargo delivery. [Credit: Elroy Air]

Key Takeaways:

Elroy Air's autonomous, hybrid-electric C-1 Chaparral cargo drone successfully completed its first point-to-point flight, demonstrating vertical takeoff and landing (VTOL) while carrying 213 pounds.
The Chaparral is designed for runway-independent commercial and military logistics missions, capable of carrying up to 300 pounds over 300 miles using modular pods for various cargo types.
Elroy Air has secured significant interest, including 1,500 preorders from customers like FedEx and the U.S. military, with plans to begin production of the aircraft in 2026.

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An autonomous, vertical takeoff and landing (VTOL) aircraft designed to carry up to 300 pounds of payload over 300 miles this month completed its first point-to-point flight.

The maiden A-to-B flight of Elroy Air’s C-1—a full-scale prototype of its Chaparral cargo drone—took place on December 10 at the company’s facility in Byron, California, and carried 213 pounds, including lunch for the Elroy team. The uncrewed aircraft reached about 60 mph and covered 2.6 miles, completing a vertical takeoff and landing.

Jack is a staff writer covering advanced air mobility, including everything from drones to unmanned aircraft systems to space travel—and a whole lot more. He spent close to two years reporting on drone delivery for FreightWaves, covering the biggest news and developments in the space and connecting with industry executives and experts. Jack is also a basketball aficionado, a frequent traveler and a lover of all things logistics.