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1,300-mile range: US firm builds autonomous cargo drone that can fly without runway

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1,300-mile range: US firm builds autonomous cargo drone that can fly without runway

Skyways has unveiled Skyreach, an autonomous cargo aircraft that the US startup says can fly more than 1,300 miles and stay airborne for more than 18 hours with a full fuel load.

The company has begun building the aircraft in Austin, Texas, and plans to start flying for defense and commercial customers in December 2026. Skyreach combines electric vertical takeoff and landing with fuel-powered cruise. 

The firm designed it to carry supplies to locations where runways and specialized ground crews are unavailable, including ships and remote sites. Its modular bay can also carry sensors and communications equipment.

The hybrid propulsion system uses batteries for vertical takeoff and landing and replenishes them during cruise. That allows the aircraft to prepare for another flight without ground charging or battery swaps. Skyreach can run on JP-5 and Jet A-1, two aviation fuels.

Skyways said the aircraft is designed to operate in winds of up to 40 knots and temperatures ranging from −5°F to 120°F. The company puts its cost at roughly one-tenth that of a helicopter and intends to use it for frequent flights with minimal ground infrastructure.

The company designed Skyreach for rapid turnaround between missions, aiming the fly around the clock. It sees that operating model as a step toward automating ground operations as its fleet grows.

ONE PLATFORM. INFINITE MISSIONS. Meet Skyreach. Built from our operational experience that spans 3,600+ flights, 90,000+ km flown, 8 years of military operations with current operations on three continents— Skyreach is built by the mission.


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