I think it will provide a good foundation for gaining a lot of important experience with a manned VTOL. Phase 1 will give us a flying drone with a similar weight distribution to Project Feather. We’ve already learned a great deal from that project, and certain things will be transferred to Caribou (redundant power supply, sensors, etc.). If all goes well, we can also simulate things like engine failure or an emergency landing using a parachute during the course of the project.
The frame design itself will also provide us with valuable feedback for future, larger drones/VTOLs and the manufacturing process. For my part, I feel much better prepared by working on Quiver to meet the requirements of a drone of this size. And in general, I think we’re constantly improving as a team at implementing good designs.