Live flight includes automated loading, unloading, and cargo delivery under AFWERX contract
MightyFly Showcases Autonomous Cargo Operations
MightyFly has completed a successful demonstration of its autonomous cargo aircraft for the U.S. Air Force. The event was held at New Jerusalem Airport in California on May 8, 2025. It was conducted under a Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase II contract with AFWERX, the innovation directorate of the Department of the Air Force.
The demonstration featured MightyFly’s hybrid-electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft, the Cento, and its patented Autonomous Load Mastering System (ALMS). The system performed a Department of Defense (DoD)-relevant mission. It loaded, secured, and delivered packages without human intervention. The aircraft also demonstrated autonomous handling of packages representing use cases from healthcare, retail, logistics, manufacturing, disaster relief, and defense.
Point-to-Point Delivery Without Human Intervention
The Cento transported two large boxes from its origin to a first destination. The ALMS system autonomously positioned and secured the packages in the cargo bay. The aircraft then closed its nose cone, took off, and flew to the drop-off location. Upon landing, it ejected the packages and then continued to a third destination—all without manual input.
MightyFly’s demonstration highlights the potential of autonomous delivery systems to streamline logistics for both commercial and government users. The aircraft’s capabilities align with recent federal efforts to promote advanced air mobility technologies. A June 2025 Executive Order from the White House emphasizes support for domestic eVTOL adoption, including use cases in “medical response, cargo transport, and rural access.”*
Supporting Defense Innovation
The Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL), which oversees AFWERX, develops technologies for air, space, and cyberspace missions. AFRL and AFWERX partner with startups like MightyFly to bring innovative tools to military and government operations. Since 2019, AFWERX has awarded over 10,400 contracts totaling more than $7.24 billion.
About MightyFly
MightyFly, based in San Leandro, California, was founded in 2019. The company develops and operates fixed-wing, hybrid eVTOL cargo aircraft. Its Cento aircraft supports payloads of 100 to 500 pounds, with a range of 600 miles and cruising speeds of 150 mph. Backed by leading venture firms, MightyFly aims to transform point-to-point logistics with affordable, fast, and low-emission cargo delivery.
To learn more about MightyFly and its autonomous cargo solutions, visit www.mightyfly.com.
Read more:
- MightyFly Unveils Third Generation Cento Aircraft: Pioneering Efficiency in Autonomous Same-Day Cargo Deliveries
- Autonomous Loading and Unloading for Cargo Drones: MightyFly Wins Air Force SBIR Phase II Contract
- MightyFly Will Demo Drone Delivery of 100 Pounds in Cargo: The Future of Express Delivery
Miriam McNabb is the Editor-in-Chief of DRONELIFE and CEO of JobForDrones, a professional drone services marketplace, and a fascinated observer of the emerging drone industry and the regulatory environment for drones. Miriam has penned over 3,000 articles focused on the commercial drone space and is an international speaker and recognized figure in the industry. Miriam has a degree from the University of Chicago and over 20 years of experience in high tech sales and marketing for new technologies.
For drone industry consulting or writing, Email Miriam.
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