MightyFly MF-100

History of the MightyFly MF-100

MightyFly, a startup, has developed the MF-100 "Electric Vertical Takeoff and Landing" (eVTOL) "Unmanned Aircraft System" (UAS) for future air logistics. The project began in October 2019, with successful tests using a scaled-down prototype for autonomous deliveries. By November 2020, full-scale units were built, and in March 2021, the MF-100 received Special Airworthiness Certification from the FAA. Accompanied by $5 million in seed funding, the aircraft completed its first autonomous flight in April. The eVTOL can carry up to 100 pounds of cargo over a range of 600 miles, reaching speeds of 150 miles per hour. Its all-electric design makes it environmentally friendly and carbon neutral. With eight lift rotors/motors and simple landing gear, the MF-100 operates similarly to traditional helicopters, capable of accessing places fixed-wing aircraft cannot. Its versatility and focus on reducing reliance on trucks for logistics make it a promising solution for commercial and humanitarian applications.

The MF-100's distributed electric propulsion (DEP) system enhances safety, allowing the aircraft to make emergency landings under its own power if an outrigger fails. The primary aim of the MF-100 is to significantly reduce CO2 emissions and transform commercial logistics, serving various segments like warehouse-to-retail and rural distribution. Beyond commercial applications, the eVTOL's ability to access hard-to-reach areas also makes it valuable for humanitarian assistance and disaster relief missions, delivering crucial supplies and medicines. In the logistics pipeline, the MF-100 operates autonomously from the fulfillment center to the target destination, eliminating the need for trucks and drivers on the ground. With its cutting-edge technology and innovative approach to air transport, MightyFly's MF-100 promises to shape the future of air logistics with sustainable and efficient solutions.

Specification

Basics

Years of Service: 2022

Origins: United States

Status: Program is running.

Crew: 0

Production:1

Manufacturer: MightyFly - USA

Carrier: US (probably)

Roles

Close Air Support (CAS)

Designed to operate near active ground elements with a wide range of air-to-surface weapon and ammunition options.

Special Mission: Search and Rescue (SAR)

Ability to locate and evacuate personnel from potentially hazardous or dangerous areas, such as downed pilots at sea.

Transportation

General transport function for moving supplies/cargo or people (including casualties and VIPs) out of range.

Intelligence Surveillance Reconnaissance (ISR), reconnaissance

Monitor ground targets/target areas to assess surrounding threat levels, enemy strength, or enemy movement.

X-Plane (development, prototyping, tech demos)

Aircraft designed for prototyping, technology demonstration, or research/data collection.

Unmanned

Aircraft designed (or later developed) have inherent unmanned capabilities and can fill a variety of battlefield roles.

Notable Features

Multi-engine

Include two or more engines to improve survivability and/or performance.

Fader support

The design features a rearward push rod arrangement in contrast to the more traditional pull rod arrangement.

All Electric

The design uses an all-electric powerplant for propulsion.

Sturdy aircraft frame

The inherent ability of the airframe to take significant damage.

Extended range performance

Ability to travel long distances using on-board fuel supplies.

Seaport

Able to operate over the ocean and survive certain harsh marine environments.

Extended Access

The design includes features to facilitate loading/unloading of cargo/people from the aircraft.

Unmanned operation

The design features the ability to fly without a pilot, with actions controlled by onboard programming and/or ground operators.

Autonomous operation

The design features autonomous flight operations through artificial intelligence or onboard pre-programming.

Camera equipment

Payload supports photographic devices that provide still and/or live image/video results.

Main Program Structure

Monoplane

Designed to use a single main wing main aircraft; this is the most popular arrangement of main aircraft.

High mount

The main aircraft is installed at the highest permissible position along the fuselage topline.

Straight

Floor plans involve the use of simple, straight main plan elements.

Performance

Installed: All-electric propulsion, driving 1 propulsion propeller at the rear of the fuselage, with 8 lift propellers along the side/outboard axis (four lift motors per side of the fuselage).

Maximum speed: 149 km/h (240 km/h | 130 kn)

Area: 600 km (965 km | 1,787 nautical miles)