U.S. Army Backs Elroy Air for Hybrid-Electric Cargo eVTOL Enhancements
The U.S. Army has awarded a contract to Elroy Air to advance its Chaparral C1 hybrid-electric cargo drone. The funding, part of the Army's Small Business Innovation Research program, will focus on maturing the aircraft's turbogenerator-based powertrain. It will also enhance the drone's autonomous ground systems for cargo handling. Designed for middle-mile logistics, the Chaparral can carry 300-500 lbs of cargo over a 300-mile range. This partnership supports the Army's objective of developing autonomous resupply capabilities for contested environments, reducing risk to personnel.
Official Source: https://r.jina.ai/https://aviationweek.com/defense/aircraft-propulsion/us-army-funds-enhancements-elroys-hybrid-cargo-evtol