The game-changing autonomous electric aircraft has a 400-pound payload capacity and comes with cutting-edge technology.
Flight operations personnel from Pyka and AFWERX gathered at New Braunfels National Airport to witness the historic arrival of Pyka’s Pelican Cargo, an achievement in autonomous electric aviation. The Pelican Cargo, boasting a 400-pound (181 kg) payload capacity and a range of 200 miles (320 km), represents a significant leap forward in remote off-airport operations.
This delivery marks the initiation of a lease agreement between Pyka and AFWERX, a directorate within the Air Force Research Laboratory, for the United States Air Force’s Agility Prime program. The program aims to explore the operational viability of Pyka’s innovative technology in addressing critical challenges within the Department of Air Force (DAF).
According to Lt Col John Tekell, Agility Prime Branch Chief, “The AFWERX Agility Prime program looks forward to learning about the deployment and operational capabilities of electric aircraft through this contract.”
Founded in 2017, Pyka has rapidly emerged as a leader in autonomous electric aviation technology. Michael Norcia, Chief Executive Officer at Pyka, expressed pride in delivering the Pelican Cargo to AFWERX, emphasizing its potential to revolutionize heavy-payload and long-range autonomous electric cargo logistics. Norcia highlighted Pelican Cargo’s ability to operate in remote areas with minimal ground infrastructure, quick recharge time of under 90 minutes, and efficient operational requirements.
Pelican Cargo’s remarkable features
Pyka’s Pelican Cargo heralded as the world’s largest autonomous electric cargo airplane, offers unprecedented payload and range capabilities. With a payload capacity of up to 400 pounds (181 kg) in 66 cubic feet of cargo volume and a nose-loading system with a sliding cargo tray, the Pelican Cargo is poised to enhance express logistics networks and ensure rapid access to essential goods and supplies for communities in need.
According to Michael Norcia, “Pelican Cargo will have a significant positive impact on people’s lives,” highlighting its role in eliminating CO2 emissions from the logistics chain and providing faster and more cost-effective transportation solutions compared to conventional air transportation.
Pyka’s Pelican Cargo aircraft boasts impressive technical specifications and features that make it a standout in the field of autonomous electric aviation. With a payload capacity of up to 400 pounds (181 kg) and a range of 200 miles (320 km), the Pelican Cargo is designed to meet the demands of remote off-airport operations. It features a multiply redundant power system, including four 25kW electric motors and triple redundant batteries, ensuring reliability and safety in every flight. Constructed with lightweight composite materials, the Pelican Cargo offers optimal performance while minimizing environmental impact. Its fully autonomous capabilities, coupled with satellite communication-based monitoring, enable seamless operations and efficient cargo transportation.
