Dufour Aerospace, a developer of eco-friendly aircraft for patient and passenger transport, logistics, and public safety, has selected Mejzlik Propellers as supplier of main propellers for the Aero2 unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV).
Mejzlik Propellers is set to deliver custom variable-pitch blades for the Aero2. Based in Brno, Czechia, the company manufacturers carbon fiber UAV propellers and offers simulation, design, manufacture, and testing services.
The Aero2 UAV is designed for the transportation of critical cargo such as medical supplies of up to 40 kilograms/88 pounds in medium to long-range distances.
The system relies on the tilt-wing principle, and is able to takeoff and land vertically in confined spaces like a helicopter, but fly as fast and economically as an airplane.
While the propellers are electric-driven, hybrid elements (conventional combustion engines or fuel cells) ensure a sufficiently long range.
The manned Aero3, featuring a spacious cabin with eight seats and large doors, is the next aircraft in development by Dufour Aerospace.
Simon Bendrey, Head of Design at Dufour Aerospace, emphasized, “Mejzlik Propellers has crafted custom variable-pitch blades for the main propellers, perfectly suited to our motor and aircraft performance needs.
“Teamed with Dufour’s in-house designed variable-pitch hub mechanism, these propellers will deliver the lift and cruise thrust for the aircraft. We eagerly anticipate a long-lasting partnership with Mejzlik Propellers on this program.”
Tomas Mejzlik, CEO of Mejzlik Propellers, commented, “I am thrilled to collaborate with Dufour Aerospace on their Aero2 project. At Mejzlik Propellers, we are dedicated to delivering propeller solutions that help our customers achieve their propulsion system goals efficiently.
“This is why Dufour Aerospace chose us for their project and placed their trust in us. Our involvement in the Aero2 project allows us to leverage our 30+ years of experience in propeller design and manufacturing. We are grateful for the opportunity to contribute to such a sophisticated project and further enhance our expertise in propulsion systems in the UAV market.”
