MightyFly, a leading autonomous cargo delivery company, has been awarded a $150,000 grant from the Michigan Mobility Funding Platform (MMFP) to conduct autonomous cargo delivery flight demonstrations in Michigan. The demonstrations, scheduled for 2024, will mark the first public display of an autonomous, fixed-wing electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) aircraft, showcasing its ability to transport up to 100 pounds of cargo.
With support from the Michigan Office of Future Mobility and Electrification (OFME), MightyFly aims to demonstrate the capabilities of its third-generation autonomous cargo aircraft. Featuring a 6 ft by 19 inch by 18 inch cargo bay, capable of accommodating up to 212 small USPS packages, MightyFly's solution is aiming to revolutionize the aviation and logistics industries.
Michigan, known for its thriving manufacturing, automotive, logistics, retail, chemical, and pharmaceutical sectors, provides an ideal environment for MightyFly to showcase its approach to shipping products, parts, supplies, and various goods. Businesses in Michigan have a growing need for express logistics services that offer fast, efficient, and cost-effective same-day shipping options. MightyFly's one-shot business-to-business (B2B) delivery services will bring significant benefits to the just-in-time manufacturing lines, urgent medical treatments, and time-sensitive replenishments for retailers, among other applications.
The MMFP grant program, managed by the OFME, is part of a statewide strategy to position Michigan as a global leader in future mobility. Initiated by the Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC) and the Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT), the program aims to foster and scale new mobility solutions that promote environmental sustainability, encourage electric vehicle adoption, expand charging infrastructure, enhance transportation accessibility, and modernize existing transportation systems. The OFME has previously collaborated with the Michigan Unmanned Aerial Systems Consortium (MUASC) to facilitate autonomous aircraft testing within the state. By engaging government agencies, regulators, academia, and private industry, the OFME aims to establish a robust ecosystem that can drive the adoption and utilization of transformative mobility solutions like those offered by MightyFly.
Charlie Tyson, Technology Activation Manager at OFME, emphasized the significance of this initiative, stating,
"We recognize that the future of mobility encompasses more than just vehicles; it extends to the air, land, and sea. Michigan is uniquely positioned to support the testing, development, and deployment of new technologies that will lead to more affordable and accessible transportation solutions. We are thrilled to support MightyFly through the MMFP program and their ongoing efforts to expand in Michigan."
Manal Habib, CEO of MightyFly, expressed excitement about becoming the first large-scale, autonomous, fixed-wing eVTOL cargo delivery company to demonstrate the potential of aerial expedited logistics solutions for the people of Michigan. Habib stated,
"This demonstration will be the first step toward establishing efficient global goods transportation, making reliable and affordable same-day deliveries accessible to everyone. We are about to make history!"
In addition to the Michigan project, MightyFly is currently in the process of planning proof-of-concept trials with partners throughout 2024 and 2025.
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