Aircraft
Team
Aero2 can take-off and land vertically like a helicopter, but flies as fast and energy efficient as an airplane, by virtue of its unique tilt-wing design. The platform is designed for numerous applications, offering a maximum of flexibility and highest safety standards at low operating costs.
The ability to transport up to 40 kg (88 lbs) of payload over 400 km (216 NM) in standard configuration makes the aircraft the perfect tool for any mission.
Contact sales@dufour.aero to discuss your use case.
Wing-span
6.1 m (20 ft)
Length
4.1 m (13.4 ft)
Payload (excl. fuel)
40 kg (88 lbs)
Max. Take-off mass (MTOM)
208 kg (459 lbs)
Max. Flight time / range
3 hours with hybrid module / ~ 400 km (216 NM)
Efficient cruise speed
150 km/h (81 kts)
Propulsion
Nose cone can be exchanged within Hybrid electric propulsion system
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4 electric main motors and 1 electric tail motor (battery powered)
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2 cylinder boxer engine (gasoline) to recharge batteries in flight
Main propeller diameter
1.2 m (47.2 in.)
Tail propeller diameter
0.6 m (23.6 in.)
Redundancy and safety
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Redundant motors allow for controlled landing in. case of a motor / controller failure in hover condition.
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Redundant design allows for continued flight in case of a motor / controller / propeller failure in cruise flight.
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Redundant flight control units
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Redundant control surfaces
The design of Aero2 allows for an easy exchange of payload capacity for additional fuel. For every 4 kg of payload, an additional flight hour or 133 km (72 NM) range can be obtained. Extended range versions will be customer specific and therefore need to be developed according to specific customer needs.
Aero2 is the right solution for the transportation of medical goods such as blood, medicines, vaccines or other medical supplies. It also complements traditional logistic supply chains, such as urgently needed spare parts or to efficiently connect remote settlements at reasonable cost.
The ability to accommodate heavier, bigger and more complex sensors makes Aero2 a perfect platform to support remote sensing and data gathering applications of all kinds, be it in the visual spectrum or with infrared, multispectral applications, radar, lidar or others. Larger and more expensive platforms like small planes or helicopters can be replaced, and missions can be automated.
Its endurance and payload capacity also make Aero2 the ideal tool for Search and Rescue flights over extensive areas. Aero2 can support different surveillance activities in the public safety sphere, such as wild fire prevention and management, border protection or the monitoring of critical infrastructure.
Dufour Aerospace has built three prototypes (demonstrator aircraft, X2.1 and X2.2) and demonstrated full transition in 2020. The team is currently developing the next generation prototype (X2.3), which will deliver full flight capabilities with a hybrid electric propulsion unit. We expect serial production to start in 2025. Dufour Aerospace has been able to sign firm purchase contracts and numerous letters of intent with various customers from different fields of application.
Aero2 is designed to meet the criteria of SC-LUAS (Special Condition Light UAS) of EASA (European Union Aviation Safety Agency). In its first production version (with entry into service of first units expected in 2025), Aero2 will initially target certification in the medium-risk category(SAIL III/IV). Dufour Aerospace is aiming for certification in the high-risk applications (SAIL V and above) medium term with later versions. The design of the aircraft also addresses certification criteria of other regulation authorities as currently known.
US-based operator Spright is Dufour Aerospace‘s launch customer for the Aero2 cargo version for middle-mile delivery of medical goods. Delivery of the production version Aero2 begins in 2025.
Aero2 in its SAR configuration is compatible with modern SAR gimbals and additional sensor payloads. It is ideally suited for long endurance search applications. An optional auxiliary drop unit (ADU) offers rescue teams an option to deliver emergency supplies. The ADU can be equipped with approximately 20 kg of payload that can be dropped directly on site to bridge the time until rescue crews arrive.
VTOL capability combined with long-range high-speed functionality make Aero2 the ideal search platform to support today's rescue operations in oceans, mountains, and deserts, and will increase the efficiency of search activities significantly.
Aero2's ability to carry significant payload allows the use of sophisticated equipment to search for missing persons, such as infrared or RGB cameras, spectral imaging equipment, or mobile phone detection scanners, both day and night.
more efficient than any state of the art helicopter when it comes to long-range search and rescue operations. Thanks to the integrated hybrid module the Aero2 can achieve a range of up to 400km in standard configuration and up to 1300km in long range configuration with reduced payload.
The simple load and unload mechanism makes Aero2 an ideal unmanned cargo transport system. It features unbeatable load exchange cycles. It can be loaded and unloaded manually or using fully automated logistic systems.
The space and weight capacities of Aero2 match 85% of all express cargo loads and will change the way we transport goods which need to be delivered urgently and reliably.
The cargo bay has been designed to hold a standard 600 x 400 x 330mm transport box. It allows the time and cost effective transportation of temperature sensitive cargo such as organs, blood preparations or laboratory samples without compromising on their safety.
Aero2 is built and designed rocksolid to support a 24/7 operation around the year. Its ability to land automatically and on all terrains and its low maintenance requirements allow for a rapid delivery of critical goods in disaster areas.
Aero2 is the ideal tool to transport goods efficiently and safely from A to B to support middle and last mile deliveries – with payloads of up to 40kg and a range of 400km in standard configuration and 1300km in long range configuration.
Today's surveillance and mapping drones are limited in both flight time and range. Aero2 delivers long range surveillance possibilities. With its ability to carry significant payloads up to 40kg, professional multi-sensor equipment to gather important, high-resolution data can be installed.
Aero2 is a VTOL capable aircraft designed to aviation standards offering high reliability and operational robustness. One single system allows to cover large areas – different to most applications used for mapping or surveillance today.
Aero2 offers a mission spectrum that today is only accessible for helicopters or planes. Inspecting hundreds of kilometres of power lines, gas and oil pipelines, counting animals in large spacious areas or monitoring and analysing large agricultural fields will be possible at a fraction of today's costs and with significantly less environmental impact. The search for hotspots to prevent bushfires or the surveillance and coordination of activities in disaster areas can also be organised efficiently and economically.
Applications include: Forest fire surveillance, pipeline and powerline inspection, animal counting and poacher prevention, surveillance of beaches and shores, agricultural health monitoring, efficient 3D mapping and environmental disaster surveillance.
Aero2 offers the possibility to integrate the preferred flight planning software of our customers to interact with our flight control system. Alternatively, Dufour Aerospace is also able to provide full software solutions.
ABOUT:
With over 30 years of experience in Swiss commercial helicopter operations, we understand the real world requirements of VTOL aircraft. Our engineering team with years of aircraft construction experience is building aircrafts for rugged operations in harsh environments. Our patented combination of proven aerodynamic concepts with the latest technology makes our aircraft rock solid with unparalleled performance.