Skyways announced the launch of its Skyreach platform on November 9, 2026, a long-range autonomous Vertical Takeoff and Landing cargo aircraft. Customer flights for defense and commercial clients are set to begin in December 2026.
Platform Capabilities and Range
Skyways stated that the Skyreach platform delivers an operational range of over 1,300 miles and more than 18 hours of flight time with maximum fuel load. The aircraft features a 7 cubic foot payload bay and a 100 pound combined fuel and payload capacity.
Originally developed as V3 Block 2, the aircraft is compatible with JP-5 and Jet A-1 fuels and combines electric VTOL with fuel-powered cruise. Skyways reported that the hybrid system recharges batteries in flight.
Production and Future Plans
Skyreach is the production platform behind a $37 million AFWERX STRATFI award from the U.S. Air Force. Skyways finalized the production design, advanced flight qualification testing, and started production in Austin, Texas.
Charles Acknin, co-founder and CEO of Skyways, stated that the company's ambition is to deploy a network of over 1,000 autonomous aircraft within five years.
Key facts and where they come from
- Skyreach offers an operational range of over 1,300 miles with maximum fuel load.
With maximum fuel load, the aircraft has an operational range of over 1,300 miles and more than 18 hours of flight time.
- Customer flights for defense and commercial customers begin in December 2026.
flights for defense and commercial customers beginning in December 2026.
- The platform is backed by a $37 million AFWERX STRATFI award from the U.S. Air Force.
Skyreach is the production platform behind Skyways' previously announced $37 million AFWERX STRATFI award from the U.S. Air Force
