Aircraft lessor invests in cargo drone fleet
Libra Group subsidiary LCI has signed an agreement with Elroy Air, a USA-based developer of advanced autonomous cargo aircraft systems, to acquire 20 aircraft with an option for a total of up to 40 units of the company’s "Chaparral" vertical take-off and landing aircraft.
Currently under development at Elroy's facility in South San Francisco, the first end-to-end autonomous VTOL cargo delivery system is designed for aerial transport of up to 225 kg of goods over a 550 km range. This is enabled initially by a turbine-based hybrid-electric powertrain with distributed electrical propulsion, and aerodynamic modular cargo pods.
LCI CEO Jaspal Jandu: "This commitment will enable us to efficiently support mission critical, remote logistical work and socially responsible humanitarian efforts around the world." (ah)