Self-Flying Cargo Aircraft Funded to Test Automatic Deliveries

The delivery of air cargo by self-flying eVTOL (electric vertical takeoff and landing) craft is moving forward thanks to a $150,000 grant from the Michigan Department of Transportation. 

The autonomous cargo delivery flight demonstrations by MightyFly are to test the shipment of 100 pounds of goods in cargo bays that can carry 200 small U.S. postal service packages.

The plan is to test the same-day air delivery of products, supplies and various goods in Michigan.

“We know the future of mobility is more than just vehicles – it is on air, land and sea,” said Charlie Tyson, technology activation manager of the Michigan Mobility Funding Platform, which issued the grant. “Michigan is uniquely positioned to support testing, development and deployment of new technologies that will lead to more affordable, accessible transportation solutions.”

The FAA two years ago granted a special airworthiness certificate for the company to conduct test flights of the autonomous eEVTOL cargo aircraft.

MightyFly had received $5 million in an early funding round at that time.

The MightyFly self-flying aircraft can carry up to 500 pounds with a range of 600 miles at speeds of 150 mph.