California-based Elroy Air has selected Kratos Defense & Security Solutions as the exclusive US manufacturer for its Chaparral cargo drone, a hybrid-electric autonomous VTOL system designed for a wide range of missions. The partnership, structured as a five-year strategic agreement, will support the transition from prototype development to large-scale production, with the first production unit expected to roll out next year.
Under the plan, initial assembly of the Chaparral will be conducted at Kratos’ aircraft facility in Sacramento, California. Once production scales up, manufacturing will expand to Oklahoma, creating new jobs and boosting the local aerospace supply chain. The move reflects both companies’ intent to strengthen US industrial capacity for autonomous aviation systems.
The Chaparral drone is engineered to carry payloads of up to 300 pounds (136 kilograms) across distances of 300 miles (483 kilometers). Its hybrid power system combines fuel and batteries, enabling quick refueling, in-flight battery recharging, and added energy for auxiliary equipment. This design allows it to outperform battery-only cargo drones in both range and endurance.
In August flight trials, the Chaparral achieved a significant milestone by seamlessly transitioning from vertical takeoff to forward wingborne flight, a shift that boosts efficiency and proves the system’s capability for real-world missions. The aircraft is expected to support defense resupply, disaster relief operations, and commercial express delivery, positioning it as a versatile asset in both military and civilian logistics.
