Autonomous delivery drones got a big lift off this week. Logistics and other companies are doing pilot (and yet pilotless) programs for moving cargo with autonomous drones. 

Shipping Shape

Elroy Air revealed the Chaparral, its pre-production vertical take-off and landing (VTOL) aircraft last week that’s the first end-to-end autonomous VTOL aerial cargo system. Unlike many aerial cargo systems that are limited to small loads, the Chaparral can carry cargo up to 500 pounds and make deliveries up to 300 miles. 

Not surprisingly, this technology is enticing to the logistics industry. Elroy Air is already in talks with AYR Logistics, Mesa Airlines, and more. 

And FedEx plans to run tests using the Chaparral in early 2023. FedEx is specifically interested in the drones’ potential as a “middle-mile” solution to transport of goods from one facility to another.

Going Offshore

Delivery drones are also being used to carry cargo offshore. Wingcopter and German Airways are partnering to use delivery drones for offshore deliveries. Wingcopters take off vertically, are electric, and can withstand the required weather conditions. The drones are set to be deployed in the back half of 2024

Fun fact: Drone Delivery & Autonomous Cargo is a new Track at the upcoming Energy Drone & Robotics Summit. We’ll be traveling there by carrier drone.