Slovenian Pipistrel has introduced cargo drones that can carry cargo for 300 km
The future of small air transport depends on aircraft with vertical takeoff and landing.
Slovenian aircraft company Pipistrel has introduced two models of aircraft with vertical takeoff and landing (VTOL). Nuuva lines are two VTOL, V300 and V20 truck models. Among other things, the company is already known for the two-seater electric aircraft Velis Electro and the economical Taurus G4 with two fuselages.
Both new Pipistrel models are equipped with 8 electric motors of own production which start 8 horizontal propellers providing vertical draft. The rear thrust propeller connected to the internal combustion engine is responsible for horizontal traction.
Slovenian aircraft company Pipistrel has introduced two models of aircraft with vertical takeoff and landing (VTOL). Nuuva lines are two VTOL, V300 and V20 truck models. Among other things, the company is already known for the two-seater electric aircraft Velis Electro and the economical Taurus G4 with two fuselages.
Both new Pipistrel models are equipped with 8 electric motors of own production which start 8 horizontal propellers providing vertical draft. The rear thrust propeller connected to the internal combustion engine is responsible for horizontal traction.
The total length of the V300 is 11.3 meters, the wingspan is 13.2 meters. With a standard cargo of 300 kg on board, this aircraft, with a full 410-liter tank of aviation fuel or gasoline, can cover a distance of about 300 km. With a load of 50 kg – up to 2500 km.
Maximum load capacity – 460 kg, speed – 220 km / h.
The lighter V20, only 4.5 meters long and loaded at 20 kg, will cover a distance of 250 km at a speed of 100 km / h.
According to the publication, the future of small air transport depends, not least, on the ability of air taxis to sit on relatively small and inaccessible areas on the roofs of houses and at the same time spend less fuel or energy.
The peculiarity of both models is their autonomy. With the help of GPS and on-board sensors, they move along a pre-entered flight path. However, if necessary, the operator can always take control.
According to the company’s plans, the V300 will go on sale in the second half of 2023, V20 – earlier, next year.
In June, the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) recognized Pipistrel’s Velis Electro aircraft suitable for flight in its aircraft category. The first batch of 31 Velis Electro training aircraft will be delivered to seven customers from different European countries this year.