Charles Alcock is managing editor of the AIN Media Group, having rejoined the company in 2019. He has been an aviation journalist since 1986, and previously worked for AIN from 1990 to 2017, most recently as editor-in-chief. His main focus is on covering new aviation technology and business models, as well as international news.
Having been raised in the London area, Alcock studied at the University of Manchester in the UK and earned an honors degree in Politics and Modern History. He speaks English and French, and some German.

Managing Editor

Charles Alcock

The U.S. Air Force has evaluated MightyFly’s Cento cargo drone for various logistics roles under an SBIR Phase II contract as part of the Afwerx research and development program. On June 27, the company reported that it conducted a live flight demonstration with the autonomously operated aircraft on May 8 at New Jerusalem Airport in California.
According to MightyFly, the trials involved “a Department of Defense-relevant mission” that demonstrated the Cento’s autonomous flight capability, as well as the company’s patented Autonomous Load Mastering System (ALMS). This technology handles all aspects of cargo loading, onboard package management, and balance management.
During the demonstration, the Cento, which has a payload of 100 pounds, carried a pair of large boxes between two points. The ALMS autonomously positioned and secured the boxes in the cargo compartment before closing the nose cone prior to takeoff. After landing, the packages were ejected from the aircraft without human intervention before departure to another location.
MightyFly is developing a family of cargo drones with payloads ranging from 100 to 500 pounds. In addition to military use cases, it is looking to support various medical and logistics applications. It has been testing the Cento in an <a href="https://youtu.be/gpkFKu_wW3w?si=Lpt-U9gIqvy7B6yW">FAA-approved airspace test site</a> since March 2024. Around the same time, the company received the FAA's approval for a flight corridor between New Jerusalem and Byron airports, but will not use this until it has acheived a transition flight with the Cento, which is anticipated later this year.
According to Fernanda Sausen, MightFly's senior director of business development, the company anticipates being ready to start the proof-of-concept phase of the program in the near term. She said it is working to achieve a phased roll-out of commercial operations for the aircraft as various regulatory milestones are reached.

News and issues relating to civil and military unmanned aircraft systems (UAS), unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) and remotely piloted aircraft systems (RPAS) of all kinds and sizes, including those used for intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR), combat (unmanned combat air vehicles, or UCAVs), law enforcement, research and other applications. Of particular focus is the FAA's planned integration of UAS into the U.S. national airspace system.

U.S. Air Force Evaluates Autonomous Capabilities of MightyFly’s Cento Drone

Aircraft features patented Autonomous Load Mastering System

Under an Afwerx contract, the U.S. Air Force has evaluated fully autonomous cargo operations with MightyFly’s 100-pound-payload Cento aircraft.

U.S. Air Force Evaluates MightyFly’s Cento Cargo Drone

2024 Corporate Aviation Leadership Summit

Hanneke Weitering

Essential news and analysis on the defense aerospace business. Your trusted source for new and ongoing programs and requirements in military aircraft (manned and unmanned), engines, avionics, weapons and associated systems, including ground-based air defense.

Aliaca and Capa-X join Airbus Helicopters’ growing tactical UAS portfolio

Airbus Helicopters Takes Over Survey Copter Drone Lines

Charlotte Bailey

News, issues, personnel, equipment and developments about air traffic management.

News and information on safety procedures and concerns.

Honeywell and partners are working on the Operate Anywhere Ground Control Station 

OperA Team Chases EASA Approval for UAV Ops Management Technology

News and developments about airplanes, helicopters and unmanned air vehicles used in all varieties of operations, including airlines, military, business, commercial, general aviation and private.

News and issues concerning general aviation, specifically airplanes and helicopters powered by piston and alternative engines (i.e., non-turbine powered aircraft). Subjects include aircraft, engines, personnel, acquisitions, accidents, safety, security and training.

SkyOS flight automation system makes its fixed-wing debut

Skyryse’s SkyOS Takes Flight on Cirrus SR22

News and issues regarding all manner of civil and military rotorcraft and their powerplants, including helicopters, tilt rotors and unmanned air vehicles.

Autonomous U-Hawk replaces the Black Hawk’s cockpit with a cargo door 

Sikorsky Unveils Uncrewed Black Hawk Variant

News and developments about aircraft engines, including turbofan, turboprop, turboshaft and piston.

In this article

MightyFly

More In Unmanned Aerial Vehicles

Airbus Helicopters Takes Over Survey Copter Drone Lines

Aliaca and Capa-X join Airbus Helicopters’ growing tactical UAS portfolio

OperA Team Chases EASA Approval for UAV Ops Management Technology

Honeywell and partners are working on the Operate Anywhere Ground Control Station

Skyryse’s SkyOS Takes Flight on Cirrus SR22

SkyOS flight automation system makes its fixed-wing debut

Sikorsky Unveils Uncrewed Black Hawk Variant

Autonomous U-Hawk replaces the Black Hawk’s cockpit with a cargo door

Small Combat Drone Engines Begin Ground Tests

Major engine manufacturers look to power collaborative combat aircraft

MightyFly To Launch Medical Drone Deliveries in California

Hybrid-electric cargo drone maker inks $50 million contract with healthcare logistics provider

Joby, Skyports Ink Air Taxi Deal in UAE Emirate

Service is expected to begin there in 2027

Kawasaki Will Develop Piston Engine For Black Swan Cargo UAV

Partnership may lead to a Japanese production line for the drone

AIN Products

SUBSCRIPTIONS

RESOURCES

ABOUT AIN