Chaparral Airdrop Capability Development

Elroy Air proposes developing an airworthy cargo pod capable of integrating onto the Chaparral UAS and delivering mission-relevant payloads. Chaparral is a a hybrid-electric, VTOL, Group IV UAS designed for middle-range logistics and will be capable of carrying 300 lbs of cargo over 300 miles.  This effort will result in an a fully integrated, autonomous airdrop system that will enable Chaparral to airdrop payloads. Elroy Air will follow a four-phased approach. The team will first build a deep understanding of mission requirements through direct engagement and research with Army stakeholders. The project will then transition to engineering tradespace analysis to marry customer needs with technical realities and refine product specifications. Phase III will focus on design and fabrication of the cargo pods, and Phase IV will test and validate airdrop functions, including flight testing. Elroy Air anticipates working closely with aerial delivery experts at Army DEVCOM Soldier Center Sustainment directorate (DEVCOM SC) to ensure that SBIR activities are informed by Army mission needs. Elroy Air and DEVCOM SC are also discussing a Cooperative Research and Development Agreement (CRADA) which might include sharing technical data and government furnished equipment related to DoD Airdrop capabilities as well as access to potential test and demonstration opportunities. A letter of interest from  Richard Benney, Associate Director at US Army DEVCOM SC detailing areas of collaboration is attached to this application.