MightyFly, an innovative aerospace company based in the San Francisco Bay Area, has announced its recent contract win with the U.S. Air Force to advance the future of autonomous aerial cargo delivery. Through a $1.25 million SBIR Phase II contract awarded by AFWERX, MightyFly is set to develop its cutting-edge Autonomous Load Mastering System (ALMS), designed to enable its MF100 hybrid eVTOL (electric vertical takeoff and landing) aircraft to autonomously handle cargo loading and unloading operations.
This latest initiative is aimed at streamlining the logistics industry by introducing efficiencies that promise to surpass current express delivery services in speed, reliability, and cost-effectiveness. MightyFly's solution is tailored for a wide range of industries, including logistics, healthcare, and even governmental agencies, enhancing support for tasks such as humanitarian aid and disaster relief efforts.
Manal Habib, CEO of MightyFly, expressed gratitude for the trust AFWERX has placed in the company's mission to transform expedited logistics through autonomous technology. "Being chosen for this SBIR Phase II contract by AFWERX is not just an honor but also a testament to our team's dedication and technical prowess. We're thrilled to collaborate with the U.S. Air Force in addressing critical logistical challenges and advancing the integration of autonomous aircraft into the sector," Habib stated.
This partnership with the U.S. Air Force is part of a broader initiative led by the Air Force Research Laboratory and AFWERX, which seeks to facilitate and accelerate innovation by refining the SBIR and STTR processes. The Department of the Air Force has consistently broadened the spectrum of innovation funding since 2018, a strategic move that has brought companies like MightyFly to the forefront of defense and commercial logistics innovation.
Further bolstering its capabilities, MightyFly welcomed Tim Draper of Draper Associates as an investor in September 2023. Draper Associates, known for its role in nurturing tech start-ups, has recognized the potential impact of MightyFly's technology. "MightyFly has the potential to change the game in rapid delivery services. The company's dedication to immediate delivery solutions aligns with our vision of supporting transformative technologies," said Tim Draper.
MightyFly is on track to complete the production of its MF100 aircraft and is preparing for a public demonstration in Michigan in 2024, where the aircraft will perform delivery flights with payloads of up to 100 pounds. The company also has plans for Proof of Concept (POC) programs set to unfold in late 2024 and throughout 2025.
With this collaboration, MightyFly is poised to significantly impact the logistics and delivery sectors, leveraging autonomous technology to create a future where expedited delivery is not just a vision but a practical reality.
.png)
