California-based Elroy Air has selected Kratos, a prominent defense contractor, as the exclusive manufacturer for its Chaparral cargo drone in the United States. This five-year strategic agreement is designed to fast-track the large-scale production of the hybrid-electric autonomous vertical takeoff-and-landing (VTOL) system, with the inaugural unit expected to be manufactured next year.
Initial assembly operations for the Chaparral will be conducted at Kratos’ aircraft facility located in Sacramento, California. Following this phase, production will transition to a full-scale output facility in Oklahoma, a move that promises to create local jobs and enhance the supply chain.
Andrew Clare, CEO of Elroy Air, expressed confidence in the partnership, highlighting Kratos as an “established and trusted producer of military UAS,” known for its focus on affordability. Kratos has a noteworthy track record, having supplied XQ-58A Valkyrie drones to the US Marine Corps for testing. Additionally, the company is collaborating with Taiwan’s National Chung-Shan Institute of Science and Technology to develop the Mighty Hornet IV high-speed attack drone.
Steve Fendley, President of Kratos Unmanned Systems Division, voiced enthusiasm about the collaboration, stating, “We are thrilled to partner with Elroy Air to produce their industry-leading drone for the dual-use market.”
The Chaparral drone is designed to autonomously transport up to 300 pounds (136 kilograms) of cargo over distances of 300 miles (483 kilometers), making it suitable for various applications including military resupply, disaster relief, and commercial express delivery. Its hybrid technology, which combines fuel and batteries, enables rapid refueling, battery recharging during flight, and the capability to power additional equipment, thus extending the cargo range compared to traditional battery-only drones.
In recent testing conducted in August, the uncrewed Chaparral reached a significant milestone by successfully transitioning from vertical takeoff to forward wingborne flight, thereby improving its overall efficiency. This advancement underscores the drone’s potential to meet diverse logistical needs across multiple sectors.
