The Chaparral is a hybrid-electric, vertical takeoff and landing (VTOL) autonomous cargo aircraft designed to transport more than 500 pounds of payload with a maximum range of up to 450 miles without requiring traditional airport infrastructure. The system is designed to support commercial middle-mile logistics while also providing a flexible, autonomous resupply capability for military operations.

The announcement marks the transition from strategic manufacturing partner to production execution following Elroy Air's recent announcement of its planned public listing and continued commercial momentum. Kratos is the exclusive U.S. manufacturer of the Chaparral aircraft and will fulfill all U.S. customer orders, with the first production aircraft planned for late 2026. Recent expansion of Kratos' Sacramento manufacturing operations provides the production capacity necessary to support anticipated increases in aircraft deliveries.

Located within driving distance of Elroy Air's headquarters, the expanded Sacramento facility strengthens collaboration between the two companies while increasing manufacturing capacity for one of the industry's most advanced autonomous cargo aircraft. The expansion will drive additional hiring across aircraft technicians, composite manufacturing specialists, assemblers, engineers, production operations, quality assurance, and program management positions, bringing Kratos' Sacramento-area workforce to more than 500 employees.