U.S. Marines to Get Autonomous Cargo Drone Demo This Summer

Flight testing of Elroy’s Chaparral, a hybrid-electric vertical takeoff and landing (hVTOL) design, is scheduled to begin in July.

Jack Daleo

Tuesday, May 14, 2024 at 02:11 PM ET

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Elroy Air’s hybrid-electric vertical takeoff and landing (hVTOL) Chaparral C1 takes off on its maiden voyage in November. [Courtesy: Elroy Air]

Key Takeaways:

Leidos and Elroy Air will demonstrate their Chaparral autonomous hybrid-electric VTOL cargo aircraft for the U.S. Marine Corps in July as part of a military resupply contract.
The Chaparral is designed to autonomously handle, load, and deliver up to 300 pounds of cargo with an estimated 300 sm range.
This aircraft is a candidate for the military's MARV-EL program, aiming to provide critical logistics sustainment in challenging operational environments.

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In just a few months, the U.S. Marine Corps will get its hands on an autonomous aircraft designed for military resupply missions.

Defense contractor Leidos and autonomous aircraft developer Elroy Air on Tuesday said they have been approved to demonstrate an autonomous aircraft prototype for the U.S. Navy and Marine Small Tactical Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) program office. Flight testing is scheduled for July at the U.S. Army Yuma Proving Grounds (KLGF) in Arizona.