Pipistrel has completed the first hover flight of the Nuuva V300 hybrid-electric cargo drone, which is designed for vertical take-off and landing (VTOL) operations and can carry up to 272 kg of payload over a distance of up to 300 nautical miles (555 km).
The model uses a battery-powered electric system for its VTOL maneuvers, driving eight Pipistrel E-811 electric motors. During cruise flight, a separate internal combustion engine is used to ensure greater range and operational efficiency. The unmanned aircraft is controlled remotely by an operator at a ground control station developed by Pipistrel’s sister company Textron Systems.
“The first flight of Nuuva demonstrates Pipistrel’s strength in electric propulsion and our dedication to advancing the aviation industry through our active participation in research programs and our successful collaboration with regulatory agencies,” said Gabriel Massey, the manufacturer’s managing director.
The company also announced that a second prototype of the Nuuva 300 will be launched later this year to continue the development of the project.
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