Delair Introduces DT61 Long-Range Observation Drone with Enhanced Payload

Delair has unveiled the DT61, its latest long-distance observation drone, designed for extended range surveillance and inspection tasks. The DT61 features a fixed-wing design combined with vertical takeoff capabilities and an increased payload capacity, positioning it for use in both civilian and military applications over large land and sea areas.

The DT61 offers an autonomy exceeding seven hours and a communication range of over 100 km. Despite its performance, the drone maintains a small logistical footprint, being transportable in a pickup truck and deployable by two people in under 30 minutes. It can carry payloads up to 15 kg, with a total mass of 100 kg.

Designed for modularity, the DT61 integrates high-performance optronics systems, including cooled MWIR (Mid-Wave Infrared) types, GMTI (Ground Moving Target Indicator) SAR (Synthetic Aperture Radar) radars, and signals intelligence sensors. This allows for the simultaneous integration of multiple payloads during a single mission.

The development of the DT61 leveraged Delair’s 15 years of experience in drone system design and incorporated operational feedback from global customers. Delair collaborated with two French suppliers: Aviation Design for aerodynamic and mechanical design, and Shield Robotics, a subsidiary of Evotech Group, for development and flight testing.

With the introduction of the DT61, Delair’s product range now spans the entire drone segment from 1 to 100 kg. The company’s portfolio includes four fixed-wing drones, three multirotor drones, and three loitering munitions, all operated with the DRAKO universal ground control station.

Currently in its final qualification phase, the DT61 is slated for its first operational missions in the second half of the year and is expected to be commercially available by the end of the year.

“With a turnover doubling every year for the past 3 years (€30 million achieved in 2024 and €60 million forecast for 2025, and a workforce that has just exceeded the threshold of 200 employees located on 4 sites in France (Toulouse, Marseille, Grenoble and Paris)), Delair confirms its positioning as a major player in the European robotics/drone market both civil and military uses,” Delair stated.