Advancing inter-island logistics with Chaparral: A week of testing with Japanese ground forces

Earlier this year, The Japan Ground Self-Defense Force (JGSDF) announced it would test the US-made Chaparral vertical take-off and landing (VTOL) uncrewed aerial vehicle (UAV) for logistics operations between its islands.

“We are moving forward with the initiatives necessary for the introduction of various UAVs that can perform missions such as information gathering around Japan’s coasts and transportation of supplies to units deployed on islands,” the JGSDF stated.

The Elroy Air team hosted JGSDF for testing and evaluation of the Chaparral in September. Over the course of the week, our teams worked together to validate 22 key capabilities, including:

• Conducting a 25-mile point-to-point flight
• Flying a 300 lb cargo payload
• Maneuvering in strong winds
• Running stowage and maintenance exercises to evaluate operational fit

Chaparral passed all 22 test items to meet the requirements of our customers! These exercises provided valuable insights into how Chaparral can help transform logistics missions by bringing autonomy, flexibility, and new reach to cargo operations.

“Hosting JGSDF for this intensive week of testing was an important milestone for Elroy Air. Demonstrating Chaparral’s performance across 22 capabilities shows the strength and maturity of the system, and underscores the value it will bring to logistics missions in challenging environments,” said Elroy Air CEO Andrew Clare. “We’re proud of our team and grateful for the opportunity to work side by side with U.S. and allied forces as we advance the future of autonomous aerial logistics.”