New Funding Accelerates Delivery of V3 Aircraft for U.S. Department of Defense
Skyways, an Austin-based designer and manufacturer of long-range autonomous cargo drones, has secured a $5 million credit investment from Leonid Capital Partners. This new debt facility is aimed at speeding up production of Skyways’ V3 unmanned aircraft for the U.S. Department of Defense.
Funding Builds on Recent Military Contract
The latest investment follows Skyways’ recent $37 million award from the U.S. Air Force’s AFWERX program. This award supports the company’s transition from prototype development to full-rate production of its V3 aircraft. The V3 is designed to deliver advanced performance, building on the company’s earlier V2 platform.
“Skyways is setting the standard for next-generation aerial logistics,” said Chris Lay, Co-Founding Partner at 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.”
V3 Aircraft: Advanced Features and Real-World Testing
The Skyways V3 offers several improvements over its predecessor. It can carry up to 100 pounds of cargo, travel over 1,000 miles, and remain airborne for more than 20 hours. Both the V2 and V3 use a double-hybrid system that combines electric and fuel power. This allows for vertical takeoff and landing, similar to a helicopter, while also providing efficient cruising like a traditional airplane.
So far, Skyways has built multiple V3 prototypes and completed nearly 200 test flights. These tests include flights with a heavy-fuel engine and missions lasting up to eight hours.
Industry Growth Driven by Increased Defense Spending
Skyways’ recent success comes at a time of rising investment in unmanned systems. The Trump administration’s passage of the One Big Beautiful Bill and an overall increase in defense spending on drones have signaled strong demand for these technologies. As a result, more companies and investors are moving into the sector, accelerating innovation and production.
Company Leaders Express Optimism
Charles Acknin, Co-Founder and CEO of Skyways, commented on the significance of the new funding: “This funding is a strong vote of confidence in the business we’ve built at 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 and Leonid Capital Partners
Skyways is focused on revolutionizing autonomous cargo drone transportation. Unlike many competitors still in development, Skyways’ aircraft are already operational, carrying payloads for both military and commercial clients. The company is now moving toward mass production, with the goal of supporting real-world cargo missions and, eventually, passenger applications.
Leonid Capital Partners provides flexible, non-dilutive funding to high-growth defense and dual-use technology companies. By combining expertise in government contracting with tailored capital solutions, Leonid helps advance U.S. national security.
For more information about Skyways, visit skyways.com.
