Elroy Air and Barq Invest $200M to Build Chaparral Autonomous Cargo Aircraft in Abu Dhabi

Barq Group and US-based Elroy Air have signed a major initial agreement. They will form a Barq Elroy Air joint venture with a $200 million investment. This money will fund a new Abu Dhabi manufacturing facility. The plant will produce the Chaparral autonomous cargo aircraft. This move supports the rapidly growing demand for autonomous logistics in the region.

Chaparral Production for MENA Logistics

The facility will manufacture the Chaparral uncrewed aerial system (UAS). This aircraft is a hybrid-electric Vertical Take-Off and Landing (VTOL) system. It is designed specifically for middle-mile cargo operations. The Chaparral can carry a 300 lb payload over a 300-mile range. Its hybrid-electric powertrain is key for long-range missions. This design avoids reliance on ground charging infrastructure. This makes it ideal for the diverse geography of the Middle East North Africa (MENA) region.

Key Operational Details

Elroy Air and Barq Group plan to begin UAE flight operations in 2027. These initial flights will use US-built aircraft. Local production at the Abu Dhabi site is expected to start in 2028. The joint venture will supply Chaparral systems to commercial and humanitarian customers. It will also provide comprehensive aftermarket support. This includes Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) services. The partnership aims to create a fully integrated regional capability.

• The Chaparral completed the world’s first flight of a turbogenerator hybrid-electric aircraft in November 2023.
• Global demand for the aircraft already exceeds 1,500 units from various customers.
• Local manufacturing will reduce lead times and improve supply chain reliability.

Impact on Advanced Air Mobility

This $200 million investment aligns with Abu Dhabi’s strategic goals. It supports the national 'Make it in the Emirates' initiative. The project also contributes to the Smart and Autonomous Vehicle Industry (SAVI) cluster. This move anchors the emirate's position in advanced air mobility. Local production is seen as the only way to scale effectively.

The development of autonomous cargo technology presents challenges. Regulatory hurdles are a significant factor for new uncrewed aerial systems. The FAA must approve these new technologies for broader use. However, the opportunity for efficient middle-mile logistics is substantial. This joint venture represents a major step in the future of air cargo. For more commercial aviation news and industry updates, visit flying.flights. The partnership demonstrates the growing global shift toward autonomous freight solutions, mirroring trends seen at established manufacturers like Airbus.