Delivery drones may soon be getting a giant upgrade when it comes to the volume they carry. The company Elroy Air plans to create a larger-than-life drone that can carry cargo without any pilots onboard.
Chaparral Cargo Drone Review
Dubbed the Chaparral, this drone looks to be about as big as a small plane – a massive shift from usual delivery drones the size of small boxes. From being able to carry 1-2 kilograms per trip, Elroy Air plans their drone to be capable of carrying 200+ kilograms at a time.
With a larger drone also comes a wider range when it comes to delivery capabilities. The Chaparral can reach close to 500 kilometers per trip. This gives it a distinct advantage over smaller delivery drones. With smaller drones, they usually only cater to shorter trips because of battery and power issues. A longer reach means cargo can reach farther places that may require a single trip. This includes islands and remote areas.
Expectations and Limitations
You may soon see this big bird in action. Set to take its official voyage sometime between 2019 and 2020, the world is watching with bated breath. Elroy Air hopes this can even replace old delivery methods completely. Of course, things may not be on schedule, as similar ‘larger drone’ projects often face hiccups during development. Being able to land and launch without a runway can require a bit of testing to perfect.
More Issues to Check
Vertical landing and takeoff is an asset that can be very important, especially in smaller stations. Without a runway requirement, this cargo drone can reach more areas for use. Of course, there is also the issue of maximum capacity with the cargo. Everyone wants to push a cargo vehicle to its limit – to see its potential taking hold. Another issue is energy optimization, for the drone to fly longer with the same energy levels. Being able to deliver the cargo without damage is also an issue worth checking out.
