Swiss advanced air mobility developer Dufour Aerospace has completed the first hover flight of the production-conforming version of its Aero2 tiltwing uncrewed air vehicle (UAV).
Announcing the milestone on 26 August, Zurich-based Dufour said the flight of the tiltwing, which it calls the X2.3, had taken place the previous week.
“This achievement is the result of years of research, development, and testing by our team, and I am so proud of them,” says Sascha Hardegger, chief executive of Dufour Aerospace.
Featuring a hybrid-electric powertrain, the Aero2 can carry a 40kg (88lb) payload on routes of up to 216nm (400km). Dufour sees applications for the platform including cargo transport and surveillance.
Dufour expects serial production of the UAV to begin next year following certification by the European Union Aviation Safety Agency.
It is also developing a seven-passenger tiltwing aircraft, the Aero3, which is anticpated to arrive in 2030.
