KORTHOS / ECOSYSTEM / PRODUCT

Firefly

About

About Firefly

Firefly is Parallel Flight Technologies’ hybrid heavy-lift aircraft, combining liquid-fuel replenishment with an electric propulsion architecture and power for mission equipment. It provides up to 2 kW of continuous onboard power for third-party payloads, allowing the aircraft to support powered sensors or other equipment as well as carrying a passive load.

The flight-control system supports autonomous missions, with the payload and operating arrangement selected for logistics, surveillance or industrial work. Parallel Flight specifies a maximum load of 100 pounds and up to 74 miles of range at full payload, with a stated endurance of 1.4 hours. Rapid refuelling supports repeated sorties in locations where charging infrastructure would constrain the turnaround process.

Capabilities

Source-backed capabilities

  • Workflows: Heavy-lift UAV
  • Deployment model: Field Deployed
  • Inspection

    Demonstrated - 2024-09-11 - The demonstration validates The company's technology in maritime autonomy, underwater robotics or marine inspection workflows.

    Source
  • Cargo delivery

    Claimed - Parallel Flight presents Firefly for long-range heavy-lift logistics, ISR and industrial missions.

    Source
  • ISR and tactical support

    Claimed - Parallel Flight presents Firefly for long-range heavy-lift logistics, ISR and industrial missions.

    Source
  • Load carrying

    Claimed - Parallel Flight presents Firefly for long-range heavy-lift logistics, ISR and industrial missions.

    Source

Operations

  • Order / Commitment

    5 Firefly UAVs - 2024-03-07 - Alpha Drones USA - heavy-lift UAV operations - Alpha Drones USA ordered five Parallel Flight Firefly heavy-lift UAVs, with options for additional units.

    Source

Timeline

  • ONR awards Parallel Flight USD 3.74M maritime Firefly UAS contract

    2025-09-09 - Contract Award - The work adapts Firefly for naval-vessel operations and maritime environmental requirements. The award is separate from Parallel Flight's earlier NSIC funding and Alpha Drones order.

    Source
  • Firefly demonstrates maritime countermeasure capabilities at TCE 24.2

    2024-09-11 - Demonstration - The demonstration involved littoral maritime operations with partner Areté and Office of Naval Research context. The test showcased littoral maritime countermeasure capabilities rather than a fielded customer deployment. The demonstration validates The company's technology in maritime autonomy, underwater robotics or marine inspection workflows.

    Source
  • Alpha Drones orders five Parallel Flight Firefly UAVs

    2024-03-07 - Commercial Order - The order covered initial Firefly units expected to ship near the end of 2024. It is a commercial order because the primary fact is booked drone units.

    Source
  • Parallel Flight wins USD 1M NSIC award for heavy-lift UAS

    2023-11-29 - Award - The award supported advancement and expansion of the company’s Firefly aircraft. Parallel Flight develops autonomous heavy-lift drones for missions such as logistics, wildfire response and public safety. The event adds operating or commercial context for warehouse automation and material-handling robotics.

    Source

Context

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