ELROY AIR is developing a UAV for freight transport and has unveiled its pre-production aircraft. The company describes Chaparral as "the first end-to-end autonomous vertical take-off and landing aerial cargo system". Chapparal is designed to pick up a 300-500Ib cargo load, fly with it for up to 300 miles and then deliver it, all autonomously, which Elroy Air says "pushes beyond the limited payload capabilities of delivery drones and the airport infrastructure required of piloted air cargo options available today".Elroy Air has agreements for more than 500 aircraft. Mesa Airlines, which operates for partners including American Airlines, United Airlines and DHL, has signed a letter of intent to order 150 aircraft to serve express parcel and healthcare sectors.
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