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FutureFlight Weekly News Roundup
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A digital rendering of an Elroy Air Chaparral aircraft with a Bristow logo in flight
Bristow has secured the first five deliveries of Elroy Air's Chaparral hybrid-electric cargo freighter. (Image: Bristow)

Bristow Secures First Deliveries of Elroy Air's Chaparral Aircraft

Helicopter operator Bristow, which recently preordered 100 Chaparral hybrid-electric VTOL aircraft from Elroy Air, has placed a deposit to secure the first deliveries. According to Bristow, it will receive the first five commercially certified Elroy Air Chaparral vehicles to come off the production line. Elroy Air intends to certify the aircraft in 2023. 

The Chaparral is designed to carry up to 500 pounds (226 kilograms) of freight, contained in modular cargo pods, up to 300 miles (482 kilometers). Elroy Air intends to make the aircraft fully autonomous for pilotless operations, but it can also be remotely piloted by ground controllers.