US Drone Demos Mid-Air Shift From VTOL to Wingborne Flight

California-based Elroy Air has pulled off a key milestone with its Chaparral cargo drone, successfully shifting from vertical takeoff to forward, wingborne flight in a series of trials.

The hybrid-electric aircraft hit speeds of 70 miles (112.7 kilometers) per hour on each flight, lifting off vertically, cruising on its wings, and completing its journey with a vertical landing.

According to the company, transitioning to wingborne flight lets the aircraft use less power, boosting overall efficiency and potentially extending range and making routine cargo missions more practical.

Read the full story on NextGen Defense: US Drone Demos Mid-Air Shift From VTOL to Wingborne Flight