Pyka, a leading provider of autonomous electric aviation technology, has unveiled the world’s largest zero-emission cargo airplane, Pelican Cargo.
We designed this plane to eliminate CO2 emissions from the logistics chain, while offering a significant speed advantage over ground transportation
Pyka’s CEO and Co-Founder, Michael Norcia
The California-based company, which raised $37 million in 2022, claims that the Pelican Cargo is the first autonomous vehicle of its kind and will revolutionize the express logistics industry.
The Pelican Cargo boasts a range of up to 200 miles and a payload of up to 400 pounds, making it a game-changer for the delivery of goods and supplies to remote rural communities. The nose-loading system with a sliding cargo tray enables fast and efficient cargo operations. Pelican Cargo operates at a fraction of the cost of conventional air transportation, while emitting no carbon dioxide.
Pyka’s CEO and Co-Founder, Michael Norcia, expressed excitement about the impact Pelican Cargo will have on people’s lives. “We designed this plane to eliminate CO2 emissions from the logistics chain, while offering a significant speed advantage over ground transportation and operating costs at a fraction of conventional air transportation,” Norcia said.
The Pelican Cargo has already attracted significant interest from potential customers, with pre-commitments for over 80 orders and options from three launch customers across North America and Europe. The aircraft is undergoing rigorous testing at Pyka’s flight test facility in Northern California and is expected to be in commercial operation the second half of 2023.
Alex Brown, Director of Skyports Drone Services, one of Pyka’s launch customers for the Pelican Cargo, hailed the aircraft as the most advanced product in its payload class on the market. “Welcoming the Pelican Cargo aircraft into our fleet will enable us to continue on our mission of solving complex logistical and operational challenges with tailored drone services,” Brown said.
Pyka’s proprietary technology includes autonomous flight control software, flight computers, high energy density batteries, advanced electric propulsion systems, and carbon composite airframes.
The company’s goal is to define the future of fast, and environmentally friendly, industrial autonomous electric airplanes including commercial agricultural and cargo transport.
Pelican Cargo represents a significant evolution of the express logistics industry, accelerating the electric aircraft industry, reducing operating costs, and modernizing the delivery of supplies to remote and rural communities_
