Dufour Aerospace X2.2 VTOL masters vertical to horizontal flight transition
Uncrewed Aero2 prototype proves aerodynamic qualities via flight testing, leading up to delivery of a second prototype to launch customer Spright.
Photo Credit: Dufour Aerospace
In July 2023 Dufour Aerospace’s (Zurich, Switzerland) X2.2 prototype of the uncrewed composite Aero2 vertical takeoff and landing (VTOL) aircraft successfully demonstrated full transition from vertical takeoff to horizontal cruise. This is the third prototype from Dufour Aerospace that has demonstrated the optimal aerodynamic qualities of its innovative tilt-wing design. In addition, Spright, the drone division of U.S. medical services provider Air Method (Engelwood, Colo., U.S.) and the launch customer for Aero2, will soon receive a second X2.2 prototype which is currently being completed and will eventually undergo tests including system, ground and flight tests. This unit will serve as a demonstrator in the U.S. beginning in October 2023.
“Being able to show the full transition of X2.2 is a significant milestone for Dufour Aerospace,” Sascha Hardegger, chief operating officer of Dufour Aerospace, says. “X2.2 will allow our launch customer Spright and us to demonstrate the outstanding capabilities of Aero2 and its potential to revolutionize middle-mile logistics of critical goods. Customers rightfully want to see flight demonstrations. Only what exists in reality counts. Dufour’s focus on the product is paying off. ”
To learn more about Aero2, read “Dufour Aerospace announces composites airframe, nacelle and tail suppliers for Aero2 drone prototype.”
These two X2.2 prototypes have a wingspan of around 5 meters (16.4 feet) and a weight of 155 kilograms (342 pounds). They will be used for further flight testing and envelope expansion in the second half of 2023. Concurrently, Dufour is working on the next version, called X2.3. This version will be equipped with a hybrid-electric powertrain provided by Suter Industries (Turbenthal, Switzerland). X2.3 will feature a wingspan of around 6 meters (19.7 feet) and a weight of around 210 kilograms (463 pounds), and will be identical with the production version in dimensions, weight and functionality. Dufour plans to manufacture several X2.3 prototype aircraft to support use cases with experienced partners, globally.
Dufour is preparing the start of series production and certification of Aero2. The first series aircraft will be delivered in 2025. Aero2 will reportedly be able to transport 40 kilograms (88 pounds) of critical cargo, for example medical goods, over a distance of 400 kilometers — or up to 1,200 kilometers with a smaller payload. Aero2 is also suited for long-range remote sensing applications.
Watch the video below for a demonstration of the X2.2 transition.
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