Kratos Defense & Security Solutions is now the exclusive U.S. manufacturer for Elroy Air’s Chaparral autonomous cargo aircraft. Production will take place at an expanded facility in Sacramento, California.
The project will add more than 50 high-tech jobs to the current workforce of 450. The first production units are expected to be completed in late 2026.
The Chaparral is a hybrid-electric vertical takeoff and landing (VTOL) aircraft. It is designed to transport over 500 pounds of cargo. The aircraft features an operational range of 450 miles.
Elroy Air has reported a demand pipeline exceeding 1,400 aircraft. This represents more than $5 billion in potential revenue from commercial and defense customers.