Dufour Aero2 masters full transition from vertical take-off to horizontal flight
Last month, the Dufour Aerospace X2.2 prototype aircraft successfully demonstrated full transition from vertical take-off to horizontal cruise, the third that demonstrates the aerodynamic qualities of Dufour’s tilt-wing design.
Spright, the launch customer for Aero2, will soon receive a second X2.2 prototype currently being completed, and will undergo system, ground and flight tests to serve as a demonstrator in the US in October.
“Being able to show the full transition of X2.2 is a really significant milestone for Dufour Aerospace,” said Sascha Hardegger, Chief Operating Officer of Dufour Aerospace.
“X2.2 will allow us to demonstrate to Spright the outstanding Aero2 potential to revolutionise middle-mile logistics of critical goods. Customers rightfully want to see flight demonstrations because only what exists counts in reality.”
These two X2.2 prototypes have a wingspan of around 5 metres (16.4 ft) and a weight of 155 kg (342 lbs). They will be used for further flight testing in the second half of 2023.
Concurrently, Dufour is working on the next version X2.3, which will be equipped with a hybrid electric powertrain provided by Suter Industries. X2.3 will feature a wingspan of around 6 metres (19.7 ft) and a weight of around 210 kg (463 lbs), and will be identical with the production version in dimensions, weight and functionality.
The company plans to manufacture several X2.3 prototype aircraft to support use cases with experienced partners, globally and is preparing the start of series production and certification of Aero2. The first aircraft will be delivered in 2025.
Aero2 will be able to transport 40 kg (88 lbs) of critical cargo, for example medical goods, over a distance of 400 kilometres (216 nautical miles) — or up to 1,200 kilometres (648 nautical miles) with a smaller payload. Aero2 is also perfectly suited for long-range remote sensing applications.
