Pipistrel has successfully run the first hover flight test of its Nuuva V300 long-range unmanned drone.
The hybrid-electric VTOL drone can carry a 600 lbs (270kg) payload up to 345 miles (555km). The aircraft loads cargo through the nose of the fuselage and can support a capacity of more than 100 cubic feet, three cargo pallets or loose.
Kriya Shortt, president and CEO of Textron eAviation said, “We are thrilled to witness the Nuuva V300’s first flight, a demonstration of our leadership in emerging technology and advanced air mobility.
“The Nuuva V300’s capabilities and design will transform logistics and play a crucial role in commercial and defense missions such as search and rescue, humanitarian aid, disaster relief and ship-to-shore deliveries.”
Gabriel Massey, president and managing director of Pipistrel said, “Today’s milestone is a testament to the hard work and innovative spirit of our team.
“The Nuuva’s first flight demonstrates Pipistrel’s strength in electric propulsion and dedication to advancing the aviation industry through our active involvement in research programs and our successful collaboration with regulatory agencies, including our recent operational authorization from the Italian Civil Air Authority (ENAC).”
The Nuuva V300 uses battery power for its vertical take-off and landing and a separate propulsion system for cruise in the air. The battery systems were developed in-house to ensure efficient and cost-effective performance and the aircraft has been designed to operate in a wide range of environments.
The aircraft is equipped for automatic Beyond Visual Line of Sight (BVLOS) flight capabilities and is remotely monitored by an operator at a ground control station developed by Textron Systems, which has experience in this area from working on several US Army drone programs.
The aircraft transitions from vertical to forward flight on its wings. The first aircraft is powered by a fly-by-wire, triple-redundant flight control system supplied by Honeywell.
Pipistrel’s engineers is building a second Nuuva V300 air vehicle for the flight test program this year to support the expansion of the aircraft’s flight envelope.
Pipistrel launched the Nuuva range of cargo drones in September 2021, it also includes the smaller Nuuva V20, which has a a 20kg (44 lbs) payload capacity.
