Accelerate Growth Elroy Air Appoints Dr. Andrew Clare as CEO and Secures New Funding
Elroy Air, a pioneer accelerate in the field of middle-mile aerial autonomous logistics, has announced a significant leadership change to propel its vision of redefining the future of autonomous aviation. Dr. Andrew Clare has been appointed as the new Chief Executive Officer, succeeding David Merrill, who will transition into the role of Executive Chairman. This strategic leadership change comes at a pivotal time as the company scales its hybrid-electric, vertical takeoff and landing (hVTOL) aircraft, Chaparral, into a market-leading solution for logistics challenges.
Elroy Air made history in 2023 with the first flight of its Chaparral C1 aircraft, powered by a cutting-edge turboshaft-hybrid-electric powertrain. This milestone represented a first in aviation technology, demonstrating the potential of hybrid-electric propulsion in addressing the complex requirements of autonomous logistics. Over the course of 2024, the company built on this achievement through rigorous autonomous flight testing and flight envelope expansion, further solidifying its position as a leader in the industry.
The Chaparral aircraft is designed to carry payloads of up to 300 pounds over distances of 300 miles, presenting a revolutionary approach to middle-mile logistics. This capability not only opens doors for commercial and defense applications but also Accelerate positions Elroy Air as a game-changer in the autonomous aircraft market. The company recently announced the first close of additional funding to accelerate the productization of the Chaparral aircraft. This funding round was led by Marlinspike Partners, with participation from prominent investors Accelerate and industry leaders such as Shield Capital, Snowpoint Ventures, Lockheed Martin Ventures, Milano Investment Partners, DiamondStream Partners, and Levitate Capital.
“The moment is right to grow a business in autonomous aircraft. The core technical challenges can be solved, the supply chain is maturing, defense and commercial customer demand is growing, and the regulatory frameworks are coming into place to integrate Accelerate Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) into the airspace safely,” said Dr. Clare. “Elroy Air has differentiated technology, a world-class team, and passionate customers hungry for this product. The recent capital infusion by our investors is a sign of their confidence in the emphatic market demand for this product and our pathway forward. I am excited for what’s ahead and honored to be part of this extraordinary team.”
Dr. Clare brings a wealth of experience in autonomy and aerospace to his new role. His leadership will be instrumental in scaling the business, productizing the Chaparral aircraft, and expanding Elroy Air’s customer base across defense and commercial markets. Merrill, the company’s founding CEO, expressed his confidence in Clare’s ability to lead the company into its next phase. “We are truly delighted to welcome Andrew to Elroy Air. He brings a deep technical background in autonomy and aerospace and experience scaling world-class vehicle programs to Elroy Air. We look forward to Andrew’s leadership as we scale the business, productize the Chaparral, and deepen our customer base in Defense and beyond,” said Merrill.
The company’s recent achievements underscore its commitment to innovation and its readiness to meet the growing demand for autonomous Accelerate logistics solutions. In November 2023, Elroy Air became the first to fly a turbogenerator hybrid-electric aircraft, showcasing its groundbreaking advancements in hybrid-electric technology and autonomous systems. This innovation is complemented by the Chaparral’s unique capabilities, including its ability to autonomously pick up and drop off swappable external cargo pods. These pods are customizable for diverse use cases and enable unattended ground logistics, making the Chaparral an ideal solution for both military and commercial applications.
The Chaparral’s design also emphasizes rapid global deployment. The aircraft can be stowed inside standard shipping containers and military transport aircraft, providing unparalleled logistical flexibility. This feature is particularly advantageous for defense operations, where rapid deployment and operational efficiency are critical. The company demonstrated the Chaparral’s capabilities at the U.S. Army’s Yuma Proving Ground as part of the Marine Corps MARV-EL program. This demonstration highlighted the aircraft’s ability to operate in demanding environmental conditions and its suitability for contested logistics use cases.
Marlinspike Partners, the lead investor in the latest funding round, expressed its confidence in Elroy Air’s vision and technology. “Marlinspike is excited to lead this financing round for Elroy Air and we are thrilled to welcome Andrew to the team,” said Mislav Tolusic, Managing Partner at Marlinspike. “Under Andrew’s leadership, Elroy Air has an Accelerate incredible opportunity to deploy the hybrid-electric VTOL Chaparral UAS as the autonomous logistics workhorse for the U.S. and allied forces—saving lives, time, and money. Their groundbreaking Accelerate advancements in hybrid-electric technology and autonomous systems set them apart, and we see immense potential driven by strong customer demand. We are excited to accelerate their journey toward transformative deployments.”
Elroy Air’s progress reflects a broader trend in the aerospace industry, where hybrid-electric and autonomous technologies are rapidly gaining traction. The integration of Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) into regulated airspace is becoming increasingly feasible, driven by advancements in technology, supply chain maturity, and supportive regulatory frameworks. This convergence of factors creates a unique opportunity for companies like Elroy Air to lead the charge in transforming logistics and transportation.
Looking ahead, Elroy Air is poised to capitalize on its technological advantages and the growing demand for autonomous logistics solutions. With Dr. Clare at the helm and a strong foundation of innovation and investment, the company is well-positioned to redefine the future of logistics through its Chaparral aircraft. As it continues to push the boundaries of what Accelerate is possible in autonomous aviation, Elroy Air remains committed to delivering groundbreaking solutions that meet the needs of both commercial and defense customers. The next chapter in Elroy Air’s journey promises to be one of transformative impact, driven by vision, innovation, and a relentless pursuit of excellence.