Draper Invests In Cargo eVTOL Startup MightyFly

 MightyFly has flown a second-generation prototype of its MF100 uncrewed cargo eVTOL.

Credit: MightyFly

MightyFLy is developing the MF100 hybrid electric-vertical-takeoff-and-landing (eVTOL) aircraft.

Draper Associates is an early-stage venture capital company led by investor Tim Draper that has funded companies including SpaceX and Tesla. In addition to MightyFly, Draper has invested in drive/fly eVTOL developer Alef Aeronautics, personal VTOL specialist JetPack Aviation and large uncrewed cargo aircraft startup Natilus.

Based in the San Francisco Bay Area, MightyFly expects to complete manufacture of its third-generation MF100 prototype by year’s end and is planning to conduct autonomous cargo delivery flight demonstrations in Michigan in 2024. The MF100 is designed to fly 100-500 lb. of cargo up to 600 mi. at 150 mph.

Under a $1.25 million Phase 2 small business contract from the U.S. Air Force’s AFWERX innovation unit, the startup will develop its Autonomous Load Mastering System, which will allow its aircraft to load, unload and deliver cargo autonomously.
 

Graham Warwick

Graham leads Aviation Week's coverage of technology, focusing on engineering and technology across the aerospace industry, with a special focus on identifying technologies of strategic importance to aviation, aerospace and defense.