Successful First Hover Flight for Hybrid-Electric VTOL UAS

Pipistrel's Nuuva V300 achieves a major milestone with its successful hover flight, showcasing its advanced hybrid-electric VTOL design, cargo capacity, and versatile operational capabilities By Joe Macey / 05 Feb 2025

eVTOL Drones

Discover cutting-edge solutions from 16 leading global suppliers
SUPPLIER SPOTLIGHT
Successful First Hover Flight for Hybrid-Electric VTOL UAS
Follow UST

Pipistrel, a subsidiary of Textron Inc., has completed the first hover flight of the Nuuva V300, an advanced hybrid-electric VTOL unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) designed for long-range, high-capacity missions.

This achievement is seen as a significant step forward in the evolution of innovative, sustainable, and adaptable unmanned aerial technologies.

The Nuuva V300 is engineered to transport up to 600 pounds of cargo across distances as far as 300 nautical miles, capable of taking off and landing on both smooth and rugged terrains. Its nose-loading cargo system simplifies the loading process, offering flexibility for a variety of payload configurations. With more than 100 cubic feet of cargo space, it can carry up to three standard pallets or bulk items, making it ideal for diverse logistical operations.

Featuring an eco-friendly, zero-emission electric powertrain for vertical takeoff and landing, the Nuuva V300 also includes a separate, specialized propulsion system for cruising. Powered by proprietary battery technology developed in-house, this system ensures optimal efficiency, sustainability, and cost-effectiveness, allowing the aircraft to operate in varied environments with unmatched versatility.

The Nuuva V300 is monitored remotely by an operator at the ground control station, which was developed in partnership with Textron Systems. This integration allows for seamless point-and-click, fully automated operations.

Equipped with advanced automatic Beyond Visual Line of Sight (BVLOS) capabilities, the Nuuva V300 can transition smoothly from vertical lift-off to forward flight using its wings, following pre-programmed flight paths until reaching its destination. The aircraft is controlled by a Honeywell-supplied, fly-by-wire, triple-redundant flight control system, ensuring precise and reliable operations.

Kriya Shortt, President & 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, as well as our commitment to multi-purpose aviation solutions.

“The Nuuva V300’s unique capabilities and robust design will not only transform logistics but also 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 & Managing Director of Pipistrel, added, “Today’s milestone is a testament to the hard work and innovative spirit of our team at Pipistrel. 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).”

To further enhance its flight capabilities, a second Nuuva V300 will join the flight testing program in 2025, contributing to the ongoing expansion of its operational range and reinforcing its commitment to safety and performance excellence.

Posted by Joe Macey Connect & Contact

Latest Articles

Enhancing Security Through Real-Time Video Solutions

LiveU’s Joseph Yaker talks to UST about patented LRT (LiveU Reliable Transport) bonding technology that employs connections like 4G/5G cellular, LEO satellite, Wi-Fi, and Ethernet for highly resilient, and secure real-time video transmission

Feb 12, 2025
Enhancing Autonomous Operations in Orchards with ANELLO GNSS INS

ANELLO Photonics outlines how its GNSS INS technology enhances autonomous operations in orchards, ensuring precise navigation and positioning even in GPS-denied environments

Feb 12, 2025
T-DRONES Introduces New VTOL UAV with Long-Endurance & High Payload Capacity

T-DRONES introduces the VTOL VA32, a versatile unmanned aerial vehicle built for long-duration flights, high payload capacity, and reliable performance in a variety of industrial applications

Feb 12, 2025
Successful UAS Flight Tests Advance Airborne Laser Communication Technology

Cucuyo and Cavok UAS successfully completed flight tests in Spain, validating the integration of the P-100 laser communication terminal and advancing future developments

Feb 12, 2025
High-Precision Three-Axis FOG from MostaTech to Debut at XPONENTIAL Europe

MostaTech is launching the G321M three-axis Fiber Optic Gyroscope (FOG) at XPONENTIAL Europe, delivering enhanced performance, compact design, and magnetic immunity for SWaP-sensitive applications

Feb 12, 2025
IMSAR & TEKEVER Partner to Enhance UAS with Advanced SAR Technology

IMSAR and TEKEVER are set to integrate advanced Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) technology into unmanned aerial systems, enhancing surveillance, intelligence, and reconnaissance capabilities for defense and security operations

Feb 11, 2025

Featured Content

Ellipse Series Enhanced with Latest Firmware Upgrade

The new firmware update from SBG Systems integrates the latest World Magnetic Model (WMM) to improve navigation precision, even for first-generation Ellipse sensors

Feb 11, 2025
Advanced FOG-Based Inertial Sensing Solutions for Drones & Robotics

Aegiverse's products feature a multi-layered architecture that combines multiple elements into a compact module, providing significant, size, weight and cost reductions

Feb 06, 2025
Vertiq’s 81-08 G2 Module Added to DIU’s Blue UAS Framework

Vertiq's 81-08 G2 servo motor and control system for Group 2 sUAS has become the first motor and ESC combination to be approved under the U.S. government's Blue UAS Framework

Feb 05, 2025