Lifter-Lite
[prototype]aerial · drones · 0 deployments in catalog
Manufacturer
Grid AeroForm Factor
aerial
Lifecycle
prototype
Operational Reality
Audited
Deployments
0
Target Price
Custom Quote
- AERIAL
Description
The Lifter-Lite is Grid Aero's prototype autonomous cargo aircraft, designed as a low-cost 'flying pickup truck' to carry 2,000–10,000 lbs over thousands of miles. Built from off-the-shelf components with a simple aluminum-skin airframe and diesel powertrain, it operates from austere runways with under 1,500 ft takeoff distance. The aircraft received an FAA Special Airworthiness Certificate in July 2025 and is in ground/taxi testing ahead of first flight.
Key facts & specs
- website
- https://www.axios.com/2026/01/26/grid-aero-series-a-cargo-drone
- lifecycle
- active
- manufacturer
- Grid Aero
- Maturity stage
- prototype
- Form Factor
- aerial
- Maturity
- prototype
- Weight
- 000 lbs
Safety record
No incidents on record for Lifter-Lite.
FAQ
What is Lifter-Lite?
The Lifter-Lite is Grid Aero's prototype autonomous cargo aircraft, designed as a low-cost 'flying pickup truck' to carry 2,000–10,000 lbs over thousands of miles. Built from off-the-shelf components with a simple aluminum-skin airframe and diesel powertrain, it operates from austere runways with under 1,500 ft takeoff distance. The aircraft received an FAA Special Airworthiness Certificate in July 2025 and is in ground/taxi testing ahead of first flight.
Is Lifter-Lite actually deployed in the real world?
Lifter-Lite is at the prototype stage: it exists, but DEPLOY has no verified real-world deployment on record. Manufacturer capability claims should be read as claims pending independent verification.
Who makes Lifter-Lite?
Lifter-Lite is made by Grid Aero, based in San Leandro, California, USA, founded in 2024.
Can you buy Lifter-Lite?
Lifter-Lite is at prototype stage and is not yet available for sale.
What are alternatives to Lifter-Lite?
On the DEPLOY registry, comparable aerial robots to Lifter-Lite include Wing Delivery Aircraft, Skydio X10, Zipline Platform 2 (P2), Prime Air MK30.
How does Lifter-Lite compare to Wing Delivery Aircraft?
Lifter-Lite and Wing Delivery Aircraft (Wing · 35 deployments) are both aerial robots on the DEPLOY registry. Lifter-Lite has 0 verified deployments on record. Compare both records for specs, safety, deployments, and verified-vs-claimed autonomy.
Is Lifter-Lite a top aerial?
On DEPLOY's intelligence score, which blends verified deployments, safety, adoption, media, and IP signals, Lifter-Lite ranks in roughly the top 92% of aerial models tracked by the registry.
What is Lifter-Lite's maturity stage?
Lifter-Lite is at the prototype stage on the DEPLOY maturity ladder (research, prototype, pilot, commercial, production). Prototype stage means demonstrations exist but commercial readiness is not yet established.
Where is Lifter-Lite deployed?
No verified deployments of Lifter-Lite are currently on the DEPLOY registry. DEPLOY records deployments only when verified at a named site with a primary source; absence may reflect pre-deployment, research, or manufacturer-internal use.
Is Lifter-Lite safe?
Lifter-Lite has no incidents on record in the DEPLOY registry. This does not constitute a safety guarantee; it reflects the incidents DEPLOY has tracked and verified to date.