Transcend Air Taps IAI North America as Defense Partner

Transcend Air has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with IAI North America to be its defence partner for the development of military applications of its Vy Family of high-speed Vertical Takeoff and Landing (VTOL) aircraft powered by Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF). 

Transcend is developing high-speed VTOL aircraft for commercial, VIP, and military markets. The company has received multiple U.S. DoD R&D contracts to advance the design of its scalable Vy Family of aircraft, with military variants targeted to enable the critical strategic transition to runway-independent operations for both special ops and regular Air Force applications. IAI NA is the U.S. subsidiary of Israel Aerospace Industries Ltd. (“IAI”), Israel’s largest aerospace and defence company. IAI is a technology and innovation leader specializing in developing and manufacturing state-of-the-art systems for air, space, sea, land, cyber, and homeland security, with notable products including both the Gulfstream G-280 super-midsize business jet and the wings for the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter.

Gregory Bruell, CEO & Co-Founder of Transcend Air, explained: “Our R&D contract awards over the past two years have made it very clear that there are urgent military applications for the Vy family of aircraft. IAI NA is an ideal partner to help us militarize these aircraft for DoD customers.”

Ameriflight signs intent to purchase agreement with sabrewing aircraft for 35 VTOL air cargo drones

Ameriflight, the US cargo airline, has signed a letter of intent to purchase 35 VTOL air cargo drones from Sabrewing Aircraft Company, Inc., a U.S. corporation designing and producing a new generation of regional cargo UAV that offers high-efficiency, all-weather operation with vertical landing and takeoff (VTOL) capabilities. The agreement is for the Rhaegal-A aircraft, also known as “Alpha”, the world’s best-in-class, highest fuel and maintenance efficiency cargo UAV on the market. Ameriflight expects to take delivery following type certification of the aircraft.

The Sabrewing partnership and Rhaegal-A purchase will enable Ameriflight to enter into new business opportunities in distribution center logistics. Using the VTOL capabilities to carry over a ton of cargo to off-airport alternative landing zones, the new cargo aircraft will allow Ameriflight to aid customers in developing a faster and more efficient warehouse distribution network. For Ameriflight, this will be a complementary service, not replacing their current flying operation, aircraft, or pilots. The company’s goal is to build diversified aviation services, and this fits well with that vision.

LCI signs deal for 40 of Elroy Air's Chaparral vertical take-off and landing (VTOL) aircraft.

LCI, a leading aviation company and a subsidiary of Libra Group, has signed an agreement with Elroy Air, developer of advanced autonomous cargo aircraft systems, to acquire up to 40 of the company's Chaparral vertical take-off and landing (VTOL) aircraft.

LCI's investment in Elroy Air's system underpins the Company's long-term commitment to sustainable growth and innovation. Under the terms of the deposit-backed agreement, LCI will initially acquire 20 aircraft with an option for a total of up to 40 units. The VTOL aircraft are currently under development at Elroy Air's facility in South San Francisco, California.

The Chaparral is the first end-to-end autonomous VTOL cargo delivery system.  It is designed for aerial transport of up to 500 lbs (225 kgs) of goods over a 300 nautical mile range.  This is enabled initially by a turbine-based hybrid-electric powertrain with distributed electrical propulsion, and specially designed aerodynamic modular cargo pods. 

Its applications include safe, efficient and cost-effective aerial cargo transport for commercial logistics, disaster relief, firefighting and humanitarian operations without risk to pilots or the need for airport infrastructure.

Jaspal Jandu, CEO of LCI, says: "This commitment for the pioneering Chaparral system will enable us to efficiently support mission critical, remote logistical work and socially responsible humanitarian efforts around the world.  It will do so in complement with the wide-ranging capabilities of our existing aviation fleet."

"We have been impressed with Elroy Air's vision and approach and look forward to working closely with the team on a wide range of opportunities.  This forms part of our wider advanced air mobility strategy and will strengthen LCI's position as a leading provider of leasing, financing and investing solutions for this new and exciting market."

David Merrill, CEO and Co-Founder of Elroy Air, says: "We're experiencing an enthusiastic response to the Chaparral and its capabilities to serve as a key part of a safe, efficient, and capable fleet of aircraft to respond in emergency situations, protect pilots, and enable rapid logistics in a new and sustainable way.

"Through our agreement with LCI, the Chaparral will be available for financing - enabling much broader access to the aircraft. We are proud that the Chaparral will now be part of LCI's aviation fleet and look forward to providing aerial cargo transport globally."