Grant Funds First Autonomous, Fixed-Wing eVTOL Delivery Flight Demo

MightyFly will make a public debut of its autonomous eVTOL cargo aircraft performing delivery flight demonstrations in Michigan in 2024 By Caroline Rees / 29 Jun 2023

eVTOL Drones

Discover cutting-edge solutions from 18 leading global suppliers
SUPPLIER SPOTLIGHT
Grant Funds First Autonomous, Fixed-Wing eVTOL Delivery Flight Demo
Follow UST

MightyFly has been awarded a $150,000 grant from the Michigan Mobility Funding Platform (MMFP) to perform autonomous cargo delivery flight demonstrations in the state of Michigan. 

This is expected to be the first public demonstration of an autonomous, fixed-wing electric Vertical Take-Off and Landing (eVTOL) aircraft showcasing 100 pounds of cargo deliveries.

During these demonstration flights, conducted with the support of the Michigan Office of Future Mobility and Electrification (OFME), MightyFly will showcase the capabilities of its third-generation autonomous cargo aircraft with 100 pounds of cargo capacity and a 6 ft by 19 inch by 18 inch cargo bay, capable of carrying up to 212 small USPS packages. 

MightyFly believes its express delivery solutions will bring new logistics opportunities to businesses and set a precedent in the world’s aviation and logistics industries.

The logistics needs of Michigan’s manufacturing, automotive, logistics, retail, chemical and pharmaceutical industries offer the ideal scenario for MightyFly to demonstrate a new way to ship products, parts, supplies and various goods. According to MightyFly, these businesses need express logistics, with fast, efficient and affordable same-day shipping services. MightyFly’s one-shot business-to-business (B2B) delivery services aim to provide cost savings for just-in-time manufacturing lines, timely deliveries of crucial shipments for medical treatments, and quick replacements of fast-moving consumer goods to retailers, among many other benefits. 

The MMFP grant program is managed by the OFME and is part of a statewide strategy to ensure Michigan remains the global leader in the future of mobility. The program was launched by the Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC) and the Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) to catalyze and scale new mobility solutions that improve environmental sustainability by encouraging electric vehicle adoption and charging infrastructure buildout, increasing access to affordable and reliable transportation options and modernizing existing transportation systems for Michiganders. 

The OFME has previously partnered with the Michigan Unmanned Aerial Systems Consortium (MUASC) to facilitate testing of autonomous aircraft in Michigan. The OFME works across state government, regulators, academia and private industry to build a robust ecosystem of partners capable of leading the adoption and use of transformative mobility solutions like that of MightyFly.

“We know the future of mobility is more than just vehicles – it is on air, land and sea,” said Charlie Tyson, Technology Activation Manager, OFME. “Michigan is uniquely positioned to support testing, development, and deployment of new technologies that will lead to more affordable, accessible transportation solutions and we are excited to support MightyFly through the MMFP program and their continued efforts to grow in Michigan.” 

“We are excited to be the first large, autonomous, fixed-wing eVTOL cargo delivery company to demonstrate how autonomous aerial expedited logistics solutions will better serve Michiganders,” said Manal Habib, CEO of MightyFly. “This demonstration will be the first stepping stone for the efficient flow of goods across the world, making it possible for everyone to access reliable and affordable same-day deliveries. We will be making history.”

Find cargo drone manufacturers and suppliers of delivery UAVs>>

Posted by Caroline Rees Caroline co-founded Unmanned Systems Technology and has been at the forefront of the business ever since. With a Masters Degree in marketing Caroline has her finger on the pulse of all things unmanned and is committed to showcasing the very latest in unmanned technical innovation. Connect & Contact

Latest Articles

SightLine Software & Hardware Advancements for Enhanced ISR Applications

SightLine Applications LLC introduces the 3.9.2 update, enhancing the 4100 video processor and unveiling the ultra-compact 1710 processor for advanced ISR applications

Jul 16, 2025
Silicon Sensing’s MEMS Technology Enhances Vehicle Localization for Autonomous Driving

The University of Toronto investigated approaches to determining spatial awareness in autonomous vehicles, with Silicon Sensing's DMU41 IMU succeeding in cost-effectiveness, reliability and accuracy

Jul 16, 2025
CHC Navigation Launches AU20 MMS for Precision LiDAR Mapping of Infrastructure

CHC Navigation (CHCNAV) has unveiled the AU20 MMS, a vehicle-mounted mobile mapping system designed for accurate and efficient collection of 3D spatial data

Jul 16, 2025
ZIYAN to Highlight UAV Coordination & Unmanned Helicopter Solutions at IDEF 2025

ZIYAN Tech will unveil its latest combat UAV technologies at IDEF 2025, highlighting advanced swarm coordination, ISR systems, and unmanned helicopter capabilities

Jul 16, 2025
Boosting First Responder Drones with Advanced BVLOS Technology

DroneSense and MatrixSpace partner to enhance BVLOS capabilities, accelerating the safe, scalable use of drones in public safety and Drone as First Responder missions

Jul 16, 2025
TEKEVER Advancing Defense & Civil Security Drones with Cahors Centre of Excellence

Tekever will establish a new dual-use Centre of Excellence in Cahors, France to develop, test, integrate and industrialize autonomous defense and security technologies

Jul 16, 2025

Featured Content

SBG Systems Evaluates INS Performance in GNSS-Denied Marine Applications

SBG Systems evaluates the performance of its INS solutions in GNSS-denied marine environments, comparing system accuracy with and without DVL and warm-up support

Jul 14, 2025
USAF Uses Inertial Labs Drone Lidar for Tree Obstruction Survey

The US Air Force successfully used Inertial Labs drone Lidar and cloud software to quickly map tree obstructions at Joint Base Lewis-McChord (JBLM), improving airfield safety

Jul 11, 2025
New UAV to Combine Solar Hydrogen & Battery Power for Extended Flight

XSun and H3 Dynamics are developing the first UAV powered by solar, hydrogen, and batteries, aiming to deliver zero-emission, long-endurance unmanned flight

Jul 07, 2025
Advancing Unmanned Systems Through Strategic Collaboration UST works with major OEMs to foster collaboration and increase engagement with SMEs, to accelerate innovation and drive unmanned systems capabilities forward.