SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA — San Francisco-based startup, Elroy Air, is developing an autonomous drone that could be used to haul heavy cargo as early as next year, according to the company's website.<br /><br />The company has already raised US$9.2 million from investors to build the aircraft called "Chaparral," Forbes reports.<br /><br />Its new self-flying drone will be able to carry 225 kg of cargo and fly 500 kilometers while in the air, according to Elroy Air's website.<br /><br />The drone is said to use a grasping mechanism to automatically pick up and release cargo pods.<br /><br />The aircraft will use six electric rotors for vertical take-offs and landings, Forbes reports.<br /><br />A hybrid-electric powertrain system will be used to power the self-flying drone. This will allow fewer pollutants to be scattered in the air, according to the company's website.<br /><br />Its website explains that the drone could also be used in humanitarian ways, such as to carry life saving supplies to disaster relief areas.<br /><br />The drone will undergo testing this year and is expected to be put into service by 2020.
