Grasshopper Air Mobility has launched its e350 Flying Cargo Van, a vertical take-off and landing drone able to transport payloads of up to 350kg, fold its wings and drive on the ground for final-mile delivery.
The Barcelona, Spain-based startup plans to have built a scaled prototype by 2026 and to start initial operational trials by 2028 with the e350.
The fully autonomous VTOL Flying Cargo Van will be capable of transporting a pallet of up to 350kg (770 lbs) over 200km (124 miles) fully electric, or 600km (370 miles) using a hydrogen-electric propulsion system at a speed of up to 220km/h (136mph).
Grasshopper’s e350 design transitions from flying to driving by folding its wings, enabling last-mile ground delivery. The plan is for the e350 to autonomously land vertically, enter warehouses or factories, then unload and load back up autonomously using cargo containers that have integrated batteries and its Charging and Loading Station (CLS).
The CLS infrastructure acts as a docking station that automates processes after landing and connects the drone to automated intralogistics systems. Grasshopper estimates that cargo turnaround times will be reduced by up to 90% by off-loading its cargo containers with depleted batteries and cargo at one CLS and reloading a new container from another CLS with fully charged batteries and preloaded cargo.
Jakob Saalfrank, CEO of Grasshopper Air Mobility said, “Our flagship drone, the Grasshopper e350 is the only cargo drone designed for Industry 4.0 applications. By autonomously handling the first and last mile as well as all loading and charging processes, we offer a fully integrated solution that more than doubles delivery speed compared to a truck, has a 99% punctuality rate, produces zero emissions and automates the entire supply chain process for companies looking to modernize their supply chains.”
Grasshopper’s autonomous air and ground logistics system is aimed at industries with complex supply chains or high-value or high-urgency deliveries such as pharmaceuticals, automotive, electronics.
