Elroy Air has completed the first autonomous and uncrewed flights authorised under the US Department of Transportation and Federal Aviation Administration’s eVTOL Integration Pilot Program (eIPP).
The company conducted a week-long series of flights with its Chaparral hybrid-electric VTOL aircraft in Houma, Louisiana, in late August, in partnership with LIFTOFF Louisiana and Bristow Group.
The Chaparral can carry a payload of more than 500lb (227kg) and has a maximum range of 450 miles (724km).
The latest trial transported cargo including parcels, medical supplies, spare parts, food and water.
“These flights bring Chaparral closer to fulfilling our mission: moving heavy cargo autonomously, safely, and at scale for commercial operations,” said Andrew Clare, CEO of Elroy Air.
FAA Administrator Bryan Bedford added: “These test flights demonstrate how these new aircraft can expand cargo delivery options to communities nationwide and improve our logistics infrastructure.”
Elroy Air said the technology could support commercial cargo operations across the Gulf Coast, including offshore freight movements. The aircraft can also be used for defence logistics, tactical resupply and humanitarian operations.
The first production Chaparral aircraft is planned for late 2026.
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