Well, the RG-1-A Alpha has reportedly just broken a record, by "dead-lifting" more weight than any autonomous VTOL has previously managed.

Designed by California aviation startup Sabrewing, the Alpha is a pre-production version of the company's Rhaegal uncrewed cargo VTOL (vertical take-off and landing) aircraft.

In its recent maiden hover flight, it lifted a payload of 829 lb (374 kg). According to Sabrewing, this exceeded "the previous world record for the 'dead-lift' of any commercial, vertical take-off, uncrewed air vehicle (UAV)." What's more, the Alpha is said to be capable of dead-lifting up to 3,100 lb (1,406 kg).

By way of comparison, the Skyf drone set a world record in 2018 by lifting 440 lb (220 kg) – a figure that's currently matched by the Volocopter drone. Elroy Air's Chaparral C1 VTOL hefts up to 500 lb (227kg).

And should you be wondering, dead-lifting refers to lifting a load straight up from the ground, using nothing but the thrust from the motors. All things being equal, fixed-wing aircraft are able to lift heavier loads than VTOLs, thanks to the lift provided by their wings.

With that fact in mind, it should be noted that the Alpha is also capable of traditional fixed-wing flight, as its four ducted fans can tilt from a horizontal to vertical orientation. When flying in such a manner, it's reportedly capable of lifting and transporting payloads of up to 2 US tons (4,000 lb/1,814 kg).