Dufour Reveals Final Aero2 Design for Tilt-Wing Drone

An uncrewed, aerial vehicle with a hybrid-electric propulsion system and an aerodynamically-efficient tilt-wing design, the Aero2 is the precursor to the Aero3, a larger tilt-wing aircraft By Joe Macey / 21 Jun 2023

Smart Sourcing for Unmanned Systems

Discover cutting-edge solutions from leading global suppliers
SUPPLIER SPOTLIGHT
Follow UST

Dufour Aerospace, Swiss eVTOL company, has released the final design and design specifications for its Aero2 drone.

The Aero2 is the precursor to the Aero3, a larger tilt-wing aircraft which could support options for uncrewed or crewed operations.

Simon Bendrey, Head of Design at Dufour Aerospace, said: “Aero2 is an uncrewed aerial vehicle without equal. Aero2 is able to transport 40kg (88 lbs) over a distance of 400km (215 NM). The structure and systems have to be safe and aerodynamically efficient and delivering this is not an easy task. I’m especially proud of the hard work of our teams to lock in a design that will meet or exceed our customers’ stringent requirements.”

Design Evolution Since Original Prototype

From the original prototype, the design evolved from a conventional tail to an H-tail with a larger fuselage and wingspan and a wing profile optimized for its likely missions, such as critical goods transport, aerial surveying beyond visual line of sight (BVLOS) and public safety applications.

Concurrently, advancements were made in both the hardware and software control systems architecture. All flight critical systems of Aero2 are fully redundant, which will enable operations in uncontrolled airspace over sparsely populated areas, as per EASA’s Specific Assurance and Integrity Level IV (SAIL IV).

Once EASA has defined requirements and means of compliance for SAIL VI certification, Dufour plans to apply to this standard which will enable operations over populated areas. According to Dufour, its well-advanced with testing, both in simulation and in real-world conditions at its facilities in Dübendorf/Zurich and Visp, Switzerland.

Selection of Hybrid-Electric Propulsion System

Dufour is partnering with Suter Industries to create its hybrid-electric propulsion system. That system is currently being tested, and will be integrated into X2.3, the final pre-production prototype. All crucial systems will be integrated into this version, including automated flight functionalities. 

Joseph Resnik, President and CEO of Spright, said: “Dufour Aerospace is working hard to develop the Aero2, and we have full confidence in their ability to deliver their innovative product. We’ve worked closely with the team at Dufour for more than one year now and are pleased with the progress being made. In close contact with our existing and prospect customers, we see a huge potential for this aircraft, for numerous applications. We can’t wait for serial production to start.” 

Next Steps Towards Entry-Into-Service

Dufour Aerospace is now ordering materials required to build X2.3, the last Aero2 prototype before the entry-into-service aircraft. X2.3 will be able to demonstrate the full flight envelope and the performance of the hybrid system. Flight testing of X2.3 is expected to start early in 2024. The start of series production of Aero2 is planned for 2025.

Find suppliers & manufacturers of Hybrid Drones & UAS >>

Posted by Joe Macey Connect & Contact

Latest Articles

Gremsy Unveils Advanced Payload & Gimbal Solutions at Japan Drone 2025

Gremsy showcased its latest gimbal and payload innovations at Japan Drone 2025, marking a strategic entry into Japan’s highly demanding drone market

Jun 18, 2025
How Parylene Coatings Address PCB Corrosion Risks in Critical Devices

Specialty Coating Systems (SCS) details how corrosion in printed circuit boards (PCBs) can compromise critical systems, and explains the protective role of Parylene coatings

Jun 18, 2025
UAV Navigation-Grupo Oesía to Advance Autonomy in European VTOL Defense Drones

UAV Navigation-Grupo Oesía will supply critical autonomous navigation technology for Europe’s VANTAGE project, advancing next-gen VTOL drone capabilities for defense operations

Jun 18, 2025
Small Propeller-Driven UAS Launched Effect for Uncrewed Operations

General Atomics Aeronautical Systems has unveiled the PELE, a versatile, semi-autonomous uncrewed launched effect with 7 hour endurance, optimized for use on the MQ-9B SkyGuardian®, that can also be launched from the ground

Jun 18, 2025
Product Spotlight: ACM1000 MEMS Sensor for Multi-Parameter Vibration Monitoring

Micro-Magic outlines the capabilities of its ACM1000 digital MEMS vibration sensor, engineered for high-accuracy monitoring with multi-parameter outputs and robust performance in demanding environments

Jun 18, 2025
FPV Drone Showcased in Live Military Demonstration

Astra Systems has demonstrated its advanced Arbiter 1A FPV drone to the U.S. Army, showcasing tactical agility, ISR capabilities, and battlefield readiness

Jun 18, 2025

Featured Content

HBK Updates RTK Service for Precise Positioning in Autonomous Systems

HBK has updated its SensorCloud RTK service, integrating with MicroStrain by HBK navigation systems to provide centimeter-level accuracy and simplified deployment for autonomous systems

Jun 17, 2025
MEMS DC Accelerometers from SDI Deliver Superior Performance for Unmanned Systems

SDI's MEMS DC accelerometers offer a robust solution for unmanned aerial, ground, and underwater vehicles, providing precise static and dynamic motion sensing, crucial for autonomous navigation, attitude feedback, and structural monitoring

Jun 12, 2025
Calian GNSS Unveils New Anti-Jamming CRPA with XF+ Filtering

Calian GNSS has introduced the CR8894SXF+, a compact CRPA antenna with in-band null forming and XF+ filtering for resilient GNSS performance in interference-prone environments

Jun 06, 2025
Advancing Unmanned Systems Through Strategic Collaboration UST works with major OEMs to foster collaboration and increase engagement with SMEs, to accelerate innovation and drive unmanned systems capabilities forward.