Elroy Air
Elroy Air, founded in 2016 in San Francisco, CA, develops the Chaparral, an autonomous hybrid-electric VTOL cargo aircraft designed for middle-mile logistics, humanitarian aid, and military resupply.
Company Overview
Elroy Air, founded in 2016 in San Francisco, CA, is dedicated to revolutionizing middle-mile logistics, humanitarian aid, and military resupply through its innovative autonomous hybrid-electric VTOL cargo aircraft, the Chaparral. The company has secured significant demand for its aircraft, reflecting its cutting-edge technological advancements and substantial market interest.
Products
Elroy Air has developed the Chaparral, an autonomous hybrid-electric vertical take-off and landing (VTOL) cargo aircraft. The Chaparral has a payload capacity of up to 300 lbs (136 kg) and a range of 300 miles (483 km). It features a hybrid-electric powertrain, allowing for fuel-efficient, long-range flights without the need for charging infrastructure. This aircraft also includes automated ground navigation and cargo handling capabilities, making it a versatile solution for varied logistics needs.
Partnerships and Collaborations
Elroy Air has established strategic partnerships with key industry players such as FedEx, Bristow, and the US Air Force. These collaborations bolster the company's reach and impact in sectors like logistics, aviation services, and military operations. Additionally, Elroy Air's Chaparral aircraft has been propelled into development and market readiness with backing from investors like Lockheed Martin Ventures and has received multiple Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) contracts from the US Air Force.
Funding and Financial Milestones
In 2021, Elroy Air raised $40 million in Series A financing, with notable investments from Lockheed Martin Ventures. To date, the company has secured more than $2 billion in total aircraft demand, underscoring its market potential and investor confidence. As of 2023, Elroy Air has a backlog demand for over 1,000 Chaparral eVTOL cargo drones, highlighting significant future growth prospects.
Technical Specifications of Chaparral Aircraft
The Chaparral aircraft has a wingspan of 26.3 ft (8.01 m) and a length of 19.3 ft (5.88 m). This VTOL aircraft features a hybrid-electric powertrain designed to balance efficiency with operational range. The Chaparral's flexible cargo pods are built to accommodate both heavy and lighter payloads, making it adaptable to various logistic demands. Importantly, in 2023, it became the world's first turbogenerator-hybrid VTOL aircraft when it achieved its first flight.