# Rook: Hop Aero drone

Canonical ID: `84bedf4b-5bd7-45f6-b6a5-67bd27e5c754`

- **Slug:** rook
- **Form factor:** aerial ([Drones](/drones))
- **Maturity stage:** research
- **Lifecycle:** active
- **Deployments registered:** 0

## Specs

- **range:** 750 km (450 miles)
- **landing:** Unprepared surfaces, no runway required
- **payload:** 250 kg (550 lbs)
- **flight_time:** ~15 minutes
- **speed_class:** hypersonic
- **launch_method:** Standard 40-foot shipping container

## Deployments

_No deployments registered for this model._

## Supply chain

_No verified supply relationships on file. Supply-chain coverage is being added across the registry; check back as the seed populates this model's suppliers._

_Suppliers appear when verified with at least two strong sources. Sources are append-only; corrections add new sources rather than rewrite history._

## Common questions

### What is Rook?

Rook is an autonomous hypersonic cargo rocket that delivers 250 kg (550 lbs) of payload up to 750 km (450 miles) in approximately 15 minutes. It launches from a standard 40-foot shipping container and lands on unprepared surfaces, requiring no runways or fixed infrastructure. The vehicle flies point-to-point at hypersonic speeds through space, re-entering the atmosphere to deliver cargo to austere locations. Completed tethered flight testing of a small-scale prototype and successful engine hot-fire testing.

### How much does Rook cost?

Rook's price is not publicly disclosed. DEPLOY has no verified price on record for Rook from Hop Aero. Physical-AI systems like this are often sold through enterprise contracts or operated as a service rather than at a public list price; check the manufacturer for the latest.

### Is Rook actually deployed in the real world?

Rook is at the research 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 Rook?

Rook is made by Hop Aero, based in Los Angeles, CA, USA, founded in 2024.

### Can you buy Rook?

Rook is at research stage and is not yet available for sale.

### What are alternatives to Rook?

On the DEPLOY registry, comparable aerial robots to Rook include Zipline Platform 2 (P2), Prime Air MK30, Wing Delivery Aircraft, Skydio X10.

### How does Rook compare to Zipline Platform 2 (P2)?

Rook and Zipline Platform 2 (P2) (Zipline · 8 deployments) are both aerial robots on the DEPLOY registry. Rook has 0 verified deployments on record. Compare both records for specs, safety, deployments, and verified-vs-claimed autonomy.

### What is Rook's maturity stage?

Rook is at the research stage on the DEPLOY maturity ladder (research, prototype, pilot, commercial, production). Research stage means active development without commercial deployments on file.

### Where is Rook deployed?

No verified deployments of Rook 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.


## Sources (2)

1. **Hop Aero — Y Combinator company page** · https://www.ycombinator.com/companies/hop-aero · 2026-07-28
2. **Introducing Rook by Hop Aero** · https://x.com/milenovic925501 · 2026-07-28

_API: GET /v1/models/84bedf4b-5bd7-45f6-b6a5-67bd27e5c754 · canonical URL: /models/rook_