The Chaparral cargo drone is set for scaled US production following a five-year exclusive manufacturing partnership between its California-based developer and a leading defense prime. Initially produced in Sacramento before shifting to Oklahoma for large-scale output, the project will add jobs and strengthen the domestic aerospace supply chain. The Chaparral is a hybrid-electric vertical takeoff and landing (VTOL) aircraft capable of autonomously carrying 300 pounds (136 kilograms) of payloads over 300 miles (483 kilometers). It is intended for versatile missions, including battlefield resupply, humanitarian aid, and commercial logistics. The hybrid design provides key advantages: rapid refueling, in-flight battery charging, additional power for onboard systems, and greater range than battery-only UAVs. In August flight trials, the Chaparral achieved successful transition from vertical lift to forward flight, marking a milestone in operational readiness. With production scheduled to begin next year, the platform is positioned to become a multipurpose logistics solution bridging defense and commercial sectors, while also expanding industrial manufacturing capacity in the United States.
