Skyways, a designer and manufacturer of long-range autonomous unmanned cargo aircraft systems, today announced it has secured a $5 million credit investment from Leonid Capital Partners. This debt facility is specifically earmarked to accelerate the production of Skyways’ V3 aircraft for the U.S. Department of Defense.
The company recently announced an award for a total amount of $37 million from the U.S. Air Force's AFWERX to transition its existing V3 aircraft from prototype to full-rate production.
“Skyways is setting the standard for next-generation aerial logistics,” said Co-Founding Partner Chris Lay of Leonid Capital Partners. "Skyways’ platform is engineered for speed, precision, and reliability. With a vertically integrated model and relentless focus on innovation, this investment supports the company’s continued growth as it scales operations and deepens its government partnerships. They’re building the infrastructure for a new era of mobility. That’s exactly the kind of transformation we’re here to fund."
The Skyways V3 advances the proven V2 platform that is currently flying with customers, retaining its autonomy suite while boosting performance with 100 lbs of useful load, over 1000 miles in maximum range and 20+ hours of endurance. Both models feature a double-hybrid design that combines electric and fuel power, enabling vertical takeoff and landing with helicopter-like agility and efficient wing-borne cruise. Multiple V3 prototypes have been built and nearly 200 test flights have been performed including with a heavy-fuel engine and airborne on the wing for 8 hours.
"This funding is a strong vote of confidence in the business we’ve built at Skyways,” stated Charles Acknin, Co-Founder and CEO of Skyways. “By securing our $37 million OTA award last month and now this $5 million debt facility, we have kicked off the shift from prototype testing toward long-term sustainment and full-scale procurement, paving the way to Program of Record. There are more investments to come and that we will announce soon. It’s exciting to be at the forefront of this evolution. We are especially grateful to Leonid for its partnership. Leonid’s mission to accelerate innovation in national security is directly aligned with our own.”
About Skyways
Skyways is building unmanned aircraft systems that revolutionize autonomous cargo drone transportation. Unlike competitors who remain in development phases, Skyways' aircraft are operational today, carrying meaningful payloads over significant distances for both military and commercial clients. Based in Austin, Texas, Skyways is shifting toward mass producing its autonomous aircraft, building confidence through real-world cargo missions that aim to ultimately enable future passenger applications. For more information, visit skyways.com.
About Leonid Capital Partners
Leonid Capital Partners is a leading provider of flexible, non-dilutive investments for venture-backed defense and dual-use technology companies. By pairing deep government-contracting expertise with tailored capital solutions, Leonid accelerates growth for founders advancing U.S. national security.
View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20250626667212/en/
“Skyways is setting the standard for next-generation aerial logistics.” - Co-Founding Partner Chris Lay of Leonid Capital Partners.
Contacts
Isaac Roberts
Chief Commercial Officer
Skyways Air Transportation, Inc.
media@skyways.com
