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Visp/Zürich, May 4, 2023: Today, Dufour Aerospace announced it was selected by Innosuisse, the innovation agency of the Swiss Confederation, for a grant of CHF2.5M (USD$2.8M). The grant was made pursuant to a 2022 call for projects under the Swiss accelerator program of Innosuisse. Dufour will receive the maximum grant available under the program.
“Dufour Aerospace is a pioneering eVTOL company, and we are pleased Innosuisse recognized our efforts to create globally leading technology in Switzerland,” said Thomas Pfammatter, co-founder and chief executive officer of Dufour Aerospace. “The grant will be used to continue our development of prototypes of the innovative Aero2 unmanned tilt-wing drone. Our team is thankful to Innosuisse for this vote of confidence in our work.”
Dufour Aerospace applied for funding for the development of Dufour's next generation prototype of Aero2, a key step towards demonstration of the full capabilities of the commercial version of Aero2. Three independent experts evaluated 752 applications made to Innosuisse. 52 companies will receive funding, along with Dufour.
The grant follows several significant milestone achievements by Dufour Aerospace. In January, the company closed a Series B financing round led by Vista Global. In late 2022, Dufour announced the largest civilian drone purchase in U.S. history, made with Spright, the drone division of Air Methods. Meanwhile, prototype development, flight testing and software development continues apace in Switzerland.
About Dufour Aerospace
Dufour Aerospace develops efficient and ecological aircraft for patient and passenger transport, logistics and public safety. Dufour Aerospace is developing tilt-wing aircraft which take-off and land vertically in the smallest space like a helicopter, but fly as fast and economically as an airplane. While the propellers are electrically driven, hybrid elements (conventional combustion engines or fuel cells) ensure a sufficiently long range. The first product Dufour Aerospace will launch is the Aero2, an unmanned aerial vehicle specifically designed for the transportation of critical cargo such as medical supplies of up to 40 kilograms (88 lbs) in medium to long range distances. The manned Aero3, featuring a spacious cabin with eight seats and large doors, is the next aircraft in development by Dufour Aerospace.
Media contact:
Sascha Hardegger
media@dufour.aero
+41 79 270 73 90
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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.