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:

The U.S. Marine Corps is set to receive an autonomous aircraft prototype for military resupply missions, developed by Leidos and Elroy Air, with flight testing scheduled for July.
The aircraft, Elroy Air's Chaparral, is a hybrid-electric vertical takeoff and landing (hVTOL) cargo drone designed to carry up to 300 pounds with a range of 300 miles.
This demonstration is part of a contract to showcase autonomous resupply capabilities for the Marine Corps' MARV-EL program, intended for use when traditional assets are unavailable due to threat or terrain.
The Chaparral has previously demonstrated autonomous cargo handling and delivery for the U.S. Air Force, highlighting its potential for broader military adoption.

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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.