Chaparral

Chaparral is a hybrid-electric VTOL cargo-delivery aircraft developed by Elroy Air of the United States, first flown in 2023, designed to carry cargo without a runway or fixed charging infrastructure.

Overview

Elroy Air, based in San Francisco, California, developed the Chaparral as an autonomous, hybrid-electric aircraft intended to move cargo between locations that lack conventional airport infrastructure. The aircraft first flew in prototype form on 12 November 2023, following several years of sub-scale and hover testing, and was previewed in pre-production C1 configuration in January 2022.

In late August 2026, Elroy Air flew the Chaparral without a pilot on board at Houma–Terrebonne Airport in Louisiana. The company describes these as the first uncrewed flights authorized under the FAA's eVTOL Integration Pilot Program (eIPP), a Department of Transportation and FAA initiative. The Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development and the LIFTOFF Louisiana program supported the test campaign.

In July 2026, Elroy Air named Kratos Defense & Security Solutions as the exclusive U.S. manufacturer of the Chaparral, with production based at Kratos's expanded facility in Sacramento, California. Elroy Air states that the first production Chaparral is expected before the end of 2026. The company describes a commercial demand pipeline exceeding 1,400 aircraft and potential future revenue of more than $5 billion; these figures are company estimates and have not been independently verified.

Design and capabilities

The Chaparral is a hybrid-electric eVTOL aircraft measuring 6.65 m in length with a 9.2 m wingspan. It uses eight vertical-lift rotors for takeoff and landing plus four forward propellers for cruise flight, a layout the manufacturer says provides redundancy. Elroy Air states the aircraft carries more than 227 kg (500 lb) of payload up to about 724 km (450 miles) at a cruise speed of roughly 212 km/h (132 mph), without requiring a runway or ground charging infrastructure. Wikipedia lists a maximum takeoff weight of about 551 kg. The aircraft is designed for highly automated, uncrewed operation, as demonstrated in the August 2026 Louisiana flight campaign.

Use cases

Elroy Air positions the Chaparral for middle-mile commercial logistics, industrial and offshore-energy cargo, humanitarian aid delivery, and resupply to forward operating locations. During the August 2026 eIPP flights, the aircraft carried test loads including packages, medical supplies, spare parts, food, toolboxes, and emergency water containers. Bristow Group, an aviation services operator, has secured early delivery positions for five Chaparral aircraft to support offshore and industrial operations. Kratos's July 2026 manufacturing announcement also names FedEx, Barq Group, and SLI among Chaparral customers, alongside stated multi-year U.S. Army, Marine Corps, and Air Force programme support.

Variants

Elroy Air unveiled a pre-production configuration designated C1-1 in January 2022. The aircraft that flew in the August 2026 eIPP campaign and that Kratos is contracted to manufacture is marketed as the Chaparral, also referenced as the Chaparral C1.

Frequently asked questions

What is the Elroy Air Chaparral?

The Chaparral is a hybrid-electric VTOL cargo aircraft built by Elroy Air of the United States, designed to fly without a runway or charging infrastructure.

How much can the Chaparral carry, and how far?

Elroy Air states the aircraft carries more than 227 kg (500 lb) of payload up to about 724 km (450 miles).

When did the Chaparral first fly?

A full-scale Chaparral prototype first flew on 12 November 2023.

Has the Chaparral flown without a pilot on board?

Yes. In late August 2026, Elroy Air flew the Chaparral with no pilot on board at Houma–Terrebonne Airport, Louisiana, under the FAA's eVTOL Integration Pilot Program.

Who will manufacture the Chaparral?

Kratos Defense & Security Solutions is the exclusive U.S. manufacturer, building the aircraft at its Sacramento, California facility, with first production aircraft expected before the end of 2026.

Who are the Chaparral's named customers?

Bristow Group holds early delivery positions for five aircraft; Kratos's manufacturing announcement also names FedEx, Barq Group, and SLI as customers.