SkyRunner

History

The SkyRunner is a dual-mode vehicle that combines an off-road buggy with powered flight capability. It is intended to move over rough terrain and then transition to airborne travel using a ram-air parachute wing and a rear-mounted propeller.

The U.S. Army's XVIII Airborne Corps evaluated the SkyRunner during the Scarlet Dragon 26-3 experimentation exercise at Fort Bragg, North Carolina, on September 16, 2026. Soldiers tested its ability to shift between ground and airborne operation in austere conditions at Holland Drop Zone.

The vehicle has been proposed for military and government missions in areas where roads or conventional landing strips may be unavailable. Proposed roles include reconnaissance, resupply, and casualty evacuation.

The September 2026 evaluation examined the SkyRunner as part of a wider set of emerging technologies tested under field conditions. The U.S. Army had not announced a procurement decision or a specific schedule for additional SkyRunner testing after the exercise.

Design

The SkyRunner uses an off-road buggy chassis combined with a ram-air parachute wing. In ground mode, it functions as a wheeled vehicle for rough terrain. For flight, the wing provides lift while a rear-mounted propeller supplies thrust.

The vehicle uses separate propulsion systems for its two operating modes. A Polaris engine powers ground travel, while a Rotax aircraft engine drives the propeller during flight. This arrangement allows the ground and airborne propulsion functions to remain mechanically distinct.

Takeoff requires approximately 137 m (450 ft) of open ground. Once airborne, steering is controlled through left and right toggles, while a throttle pedal is used to control climbing and descending. A new pilot is stated to require about 14 hours of flight instruction before solo operation.

Program status

As of September 2026, the SkyRunner had undergone evaluation by the U.S. Army's XVIII Airborne Corps during Scarlet Dragon 26-3. The test demonstrated military interest in its dual-mode mobility concept, but no Army purchase decision or operational adoption had been announced.

Specifications (SkyRunner)

General characteristics

• Configuration: Dual-mode off-road ground vehicle and powered ram-air-wing aircraft
• Ground propulsion: Polaris engine
• Flight propulsion: Rotax aircraft engine driving a rear-mounted propeller
• Takeoff distance: Approximately 137 m (450 ft) of open ground

Performance

• Maximum altitude: 3,048 m (10,000 ft)
• Rate of climb: Approximately 142 m/min (465 ft/min)
• Flight range: Approximately 193 km (120 mi)
• Ground range: Up to approximately 386 km (240 mi) on a tank of fuel