Articles tagged with "VTOL"
New Austrian Camcopter drone could help stop Shahed attacks in Ukraine
The Austrian company Schiebel has unveiled the Camcopter S-301, a new armed vertical take-off and landing (VTOL) helicopter-style drone designed for precision strike missions. Displayed at UMEX 2026 in Abu Dhabi, the S-301 marks a shift from traditional surveillance roles toward armed operations, reflecting battlefield lessons from the war in Ukraine. It can carry dual launch pods equipped with Thales 70 mm FZ275 semi-active laser-guided rockets, enabling it to engage targets such as long-range attack drones like the Russian Shahed or Geran series. The drone’s design emphasizes operational flexibility, capable of deployment from ships, ground vehicles, or austere forward locations, aligning with the mobile and rapidly redeployable tactics needed to counter persistent missile and drone threats in Ukraine. Building on the legacy of Schiebel’s earlier S-100 model, the S-301 is tailored for high-intensity, electronically contested environments, featuring embedded autonomy, military-grade systems integration,
robotdroneunmanned-aerial-systemVTOLautonomous-systemsmilitary-technologyelectronic-warfareNew FPV RC aircraft puts pilots inside the cockpit during flight
At CES 2026, Flywing Aero Technology introduced the X-Wing Fighter, a VTOL radio-controlled aircraft designed to immerse pilots inside a virtual cockpit rather than focusing on cinematic aerial footage. Unlike typical consumer drones that prioritize stabilized scenery capture, this aircraft streams live video from a forward-facing camera directly to FPV goggles, allowing pilots to experience first-person flight with natural head movement tracking. The design emphasizes situational awareness and engagement, offering multiplayer functionality for formation flying and simulated combat, supported by a functional radar system to detect and track other aircraft. Controlled via a standard RC transmitter with familiar stick inputs, the X-Wing Fighter targets hobby-grade users seeking a realistic piloting experience rather than casual toy users. Development has spanned several years with iterative refinements, and Flywing plans to launch the product on Kickstarter soon. Future updates aim to enhance the competitive aspect by adding visible hit points and on-screen scoring to create structured air-battle scenarios. Overall, Flywing’s approach marks a shift in
robotdroneFPVVTOLremote-controlimmersive-technologyradar-systemUS: 2 destroyers to be powered by GE Aerospace's gas turbine engines
GE Aerospace has secured a contract to supply eight LM2500 gas turbine engines for two upcoming US Navy Flight III Arleigh Burke-class destroyers, USS Intrepid and USS Robert Kerrey. Each destroyer will be powered by four LM2500 engines, continuing the engine’s decades-long role as the primary propulsion system for this class, which currently includes 74 active ships. The LM2500 family is renowned for its high power density, fuel efficiency, and reliability, with over 700 units delivered to the US Navy since 1969. Continuous upgrades have maintained its performance and compatibility, achieving reliability rates near 99%, making it a cornerstone of the Navy’s surface fleet. In addition to naval propulsion, GE Aerospace recently signed a memorandum of understanding with Shield AI to power the autonomous VTOL fighter aircraft X-BAT using the F110-GE-129 engine. This combat-proven engine, with over 11 million flight hours since the 1980s, features an Axisymmetric Vectoring
energygas-turbine-enginesnaval-propulsionGE-Aerospacemilitary-technologyautonomous-aircraftVTOLNew electric VTOL aircraft for US military completes first flight
Joby Aviation announced the successful first flight of its new turbine-electric, autonomous vertical takeoff and landing (VTOL) aircraft on November 7 at its Marina, California facility. This hybrid VTOL demonstrator builds on Joby’s existing electric air taxi platform by integrating a hybrid turbine powertrain and the company’s SuperPilot autonomous flight system. Designed to carry heavier payloads and achieve significantly longer ranges than all-electric models, the aircraft targets expanded commercial air taxi routes and military missions such as logistics, surveillance, and autonomous operations. The flight milestone follows Joby’s recent partnership with defense contractor L3Harris Technologies, which will equip the aircraft with sensors, communications, and mission systems for defense roles including contested logistics, loyal wingman, unmanned escort, and low-altitude support. This development aligns with the U.S. government’s growing investment—over $9 billion requested in the fiscal 2026 budget—for next-generation autonomous and hybrid aircraft to enhance unmanned and runway-independent capabilities. Job
energyautonomous-systemselectric-aircrafthybrid-powertrainVTOLmilitary-technologyunmanned-aerial-vehiclesXPENG Unveils A868: A Leap Toward Long-Range Flying Mobility - CleanTechnica
At XPENG Motors’ 2025 AI Technology Day in Guangzhou, the company’s low-altitude mobility division, XPENG Aridge, unveiled the A868, a vertical take-off and landing (VTOL) fixed-wing flying car designed for long-range intercity travel. Unlike typical flying car concepts, the A868 emphasizes practicality and range, featuring an aviation-grade extended-range hybrid system capable of traveling over 500 kilometers at speeds up to 360 km/h. Its six-person cabin targets business travelers and air mobility services, aiming to offer a more efficient and flexible alternative to cars and high-speed rail. The vehicle’s fully vertical take-off and landing capability requires minimal space—potentially only half a basketball court—enabling operations from rooftops, parking lots, or small helipads. XPENG positions the A868 as nearing mass production but acknowledges the critical importance of safety. The aircraft incorporates a six-axis, six-propeller, two-power-channel design to ensure continued flight even if a
robotAIflying-carVTOLurban-air-mobilityhybrid-systemintercity-travelGE engine to power Shield AI's new X-BAT autonomous fighter jets
US aerospace company GE Aerospace has entered into a Memorandum of Understanding with Shield AI to provide propulsion for Shield AI’s new autonomous fighter jet, the X-BAT. The X-BAT is an AI-piloted, vertical take-off and landing (VTOL) fighter designed for deployment in contested and communication-limited environments. It is powered by GE’s F110-GE-129 engine, a highly reliable powerplant with over 11 million flight hours since its introduction in the 1980s. This engine features an advanced Axisymmetric Vectoring Exhaust Nozzle (AVEN) that enables the thrust vectoring necessary for the X-BAT’s VTOL capabilities. Unveiled in October 2023, the X-BAT combines VTOL functionality with a range exceeding 2,000 nautical miles and can carry a full mission payload. Shield AI’s proprietary Hivemind autonomy software allows the jet to operate independently or as a drone wingman alongside piloted aircraft. The compact design enables
robotautonomous-vehiclesAIaerospace-engineeringpropulsion-systemsVTOLdefense-technologyHow an Assembler In Guangzhou - Not A Gigafactory - Won The Flying Car Race - CleanTechnica
The article from CleanTechnica highlights how a Guangzhou-based company, originally known as Xpeng Aeroht and now rebranded as Aridge, has quietly taken the lead in the flying car race by establishing the world’s first mass-production line for flying cars. Unlike the Western narrative focused on visionary billionaires and speculative prototypes, Aridge has moved beyond promises to actual production, operating a 120,000 square meter factory with integrated workshops for composites, propulsion, assembly, painting, and final integration. This marks a significant milestone, as the company transitions from concept to commercial contracts with delivery dates, signaling maturity and readiness to scale. In contrast to Tesla’s reliance on tax credits and regulatory incentives to drive sales, Aridge’s approach is grounded in tangible manufacturing and market engagement. While Western media and industry watchers have been captivated by futuristic promises and charismatic figures like Elon Musk, Aridge’s success is rooted in industrial efficiency and execution. The article underscores a shift in the flying car industry narrative, emphasizing that
energyflying-carselectric-vehiclesGuangzhou-technologyXpengVTOLpersonal-transportLockheed’s new drone can take off like helicopter, cruise like jet
Lockheed Martin’s Sikorsky division has introduced the Nomad family of vertical takeoff and landing (VTOL) drones, featuring a twin-proprotor design that combines helicopter-like vertical agility with the speed and range of fixed-wing aircraft. This scalable drone series can be tailored from small Group 3 UAS to sizes comparable to a Black Hawk helicopter, enabling runway-independent operations for diverse missions including reconnaissance, light attack, contested logistics, and humanitarian aid. The Nomad drones are designed to operate alongside crewed aircraft to enhance situational awareness, logistics, and strike capabilities, particularly in challenging environments like the Indo-Pacific region. The Nomad family incorporates Sikorsky’s MATRIX autonomy technology, developed with DARPA, which enables autonomous route planning, obstacle avoidance, and mission execution. The initial Nomad 50 prototype, with a 10.3-foot wingspan, demonstrated strong aerodynamic performance and vertical lift in 2025 flight tests, and a larger Nomad 100 variant is expected to
robotdroneautonomous-aircraftVTOLhybrid-electricaerospace-technologymilitary-technologyAlaska's Ryan Air Orders BETA Technology Electric Plane For Cargo Duty - CleanTechnica
Alaska’s Ryan Air has placed an order for the Alia CX300 electric aircraft from BETA Technologies to support cargo delivery across the state’s numerous remote communities. The Alia CX300 is a conventional takeoff and landing (CTOL) electric plane designed to carry up to 1,250 pounds of cargo, with capabilities for instrument flight rules and operation in known icing conditions—critical features for Alaska’s harsh weather. The aircraft boasts a 50-foot wingspan, a range of 336 nautical miles, a maximum speed of 153 knots, and a battery system that charges to 98% in under an hour. Ryan Air plans to deploy up to 10 BETA Charge Cubes at strategic locations to support the electric fleet and other electric vehicles, helping reduce reliance on diesel-powered local grids. BETA Technologies, based in Vermont, manufactures electric aircraft in both VTOL and CTOL configurations, with existing operations and tests in Norway and Denmark. The adoption of electric planes like the Al
electric-aircraftBETA-Technologieselectric-planeenergy-storageelectric-propulsionVTOLclean-energyTaiwan eyes drone that helped Ukraine hunt Russian S-400, $2.5B assets
Taiwan is exploring local production of the European-made Tekever AR3 drone, which has played a significant role in Ukraine’s military efforts by aiding in the destruction of nearly $2.5 billion worth of Russian assets, including the advanced S-400 air defense system. The partnership between Portugal-based Tekever and Taiwan’s Apex Aviation was announced at the Taipei Aerospace & Defense Technology Exhibition in September 2025. The AR3 drone is a medium-sized, AI-driven unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) equipped with modular payloads such as synthetic aperture radar and infrared sensors, capable of extended missions including intelligence, surveillance, target acquisition, and reconnaissance (ISTAR). It has logged over 10,000 combat flight hours and is also used by the UK military for electronic warfare. The AR3 drone features a compact fixed-wing design with up to 16 hours of endurance and an optional beyond-line-of-sight datalink, making it suitable for maritime and land operations. A vertical takeoff and landing
droneautonomous-systemsUAVdefense-technologyAI-drivensurveillanceVTOLTest Flight Of BETA Alia CX300 Electric Airplane Completed In Norway - CleanTechnica
The article reports on the successful test flight of the BETA Alia CX300 electric airplane in Norway, marking a significant step in the country's push toward electrifying regional air travel. Norway's unique geography, with its rugged coastline and numerous offshore islands, makes electric aircraft ideal for short flights of 150 to 200 miles—distances typical for domestic routes that are otherwise time-consuming by road. The recent flight from Stavanger to Bergen, a 220-mile journey that usually takes over four hours by car, was completed in 55 minutes using the CX300, which has a wingspan of 50 feet and a top speed of 176 mph. This flight was operated by Bristow Norway, a company traditionally focused on helicopter transport to North Sea oil installations. The CX300 is based on an electric VTOL (vertical takeoff and landing) design developed by BETA Technologies, a Vermont-based company founded in 2017. The aircraft has already undergone test flights in the U.S. and
energyelectric-airplaneVTOLBETA-Alia-CX300Norwayclean-transportationaviation-technologyChina tests vertical takeoff drone resembling US Navy's 'Gimbal' UFO
Chinese researchers at Zhengzhou University of Aeronautics have successfully tested a vertical takeoff and landing (VTOL) drone whose design closely resembles the spindle-shaped UFO recorded by the US Navy in the 2015 "Gimbal" incident. This experimental drone features an elliptical, closed-loop wing with a straight central section and vertical stabilizers, diverging from traditional quadcopter or fixed-wing designs. Four rotors mounted at wing junctions enable vertical lift and stability during transitions to forward flight. The hybrid design aims to combine the hovering and landing flexibility of multirotor drones with the range and efficiency of fixed-wing aircraft, addressing a longstanding trade-off in UAV performance. Test flights and simulations demonstrated that the drone’s elliptical wing generates more than twice the lift slope of conventional straight wings, allowing stable flight at low speeds and high angles of attack. The aircraft is modular, capable of carrying various payloads such as sensors, supply pods, and emergency equipment, making it suitable for military surveillance, maritime reconnaissance
robotdroneVTOLaerospace-technologyunmanned-aerial-vehiclesurveillancehybrid-wing-designKARGO II: New VTOL drone can deliver 1,500 pounds of military goods
Piasecki Aircraft Corporation, a Pennsylvania-based firm, has introduced the KARGO II, an advanced vertical take-off and landing (VTOL) drone capable of autonomously delivering over 1,500 pounds (680 kilograms) of military cargo in a single flight. This payload capacity doubles that of its predecessor, the KARGO UAV, which could carry between 500 to 800 pounds. Designed for both military and commercial applications, KARGO II offers enhanced range, airspeed, and mission flexibility, enabling operations in contested and remote environments. It can deliver payloads with high precision using various methods, including hard-mounted pods like the Joint Modular Intermodal Container (JMIC), aerial delivery, or external long line, and can be deployed rapidly from a standard 20-foot cargo container. The drone incorporates a new optimized shaft-driven transmission and larger rotors to support its improved performance. Developed through a spiral approach building on successful flight tests and demonstrations under U.S. Army and Marine Corps contracts, KARGO
robotdroneautonomous-logisticsVTOLunmanned-aerial-vehiclemilitary-technologyaerospace-materialsHybrid electric Airscooter takes flight in first-ever manned air test
The hybrid-electric Airscooter, a personal VTOL (vertical takeoff and landing) aircraft designed for solo travel, recently completed its first manned flight on June 7, 2025, with founder Franky Zapata at the controls. This milestone follows a development timeline that began with the concept reveal in June 2023, progressing through unmanned test flights and system refinements to ensure stability and reliability. The Airscooter is notable for its compliance with FAA Part 103 ultralight regulations, allowing operation without a formal pilot’s license after a brief training program involving virtual reality and flight simulators, making it accessible to everyday users. The Airscooter features a compact, stable design measuring approximately 11 feet in length and width and 8 feet tall, with an upright frame enhancing maneuverability. Its hybrid propulsion system combines electric motors for takeoff and low-altitude flight with a gasoline engine that activates once airborne, enabling flight durations of up to two hours—
energyhybrid-electricVTOLelectric-motorsgasoline-enginefly-by-wirepersonal-air-vehicleUS startup builds 330-pound car-like jet drone that flies at 225 mph
Texas-based startup FusionFlight has developed the Axion, a compact, jet-powered VTOL (vertical takeoff and landing) aircraft that weighs 330 pounds and can reach speeds up to 225 mph. Unlike typical VTOLs that use electric motors and propellers, the Axion employs eight vectored-thrust micro-turbine jet engines fueled by diesel, kerosene, or jet-A. This setup generates 809 lb-ft of thrust, enabling vertical lift-off, agile maneuvering, and the ability to carry a single passenger or 176 pounds of cargo. The Axion offers about 15 minutes of flight time per refuel and can operate reliably in extreme weather conditions, including freezing temperatures, without performance loss. The Axion can be piloted manually via fly-by-wire joysticks or autonomously through a touchscreen interface, with remote operation also possible for unmanned missions such as emergency supply delivery or medical evacuations. It builds on FusionFlight’s earlier AB6 JetQuad drone
droneVTOLjet-enginesautonomous-flightmicro-turbineaviation-technologyelectric-aircraft-alternativeFirst-time maker’s 3D-printed drone could fly 130 miles in 3 hours
Engineer Tsung Xu, a first-time maker with no formal background in aerodynamics or 3D printing, successfully designed and built a fully functional vertical takeoff and landing (VTOL) fixed-wing drone capable of flying 130 miles (209.2 km) in about 3 hours. Completed in just 90 days, Xu’s project involved designing, modeling, and 3D printing every aerodynamic surface and structural component from scratch using a consumer-grade Bambu Lab A1 desktop 3D printer. Non-printable elements such as motors, radio equipment, and electronic speed controllers were sourced separately and integrated into the system, which is powered by a high-energy-density lithium battery to maximize endurance. The drone’s VTOL capability allows it to take off and land vertically without a runway, then transition to efficient forward flight, a feature typically found in advanced military or commercial unmanned aerial systems. Xu’s achievement demonstrates how accessible technologies like desktop 3D printing and off-the-shelf components can enable
robotdrone3D-printinglithium-batteryVTOLaerospace-engineeringunmanned-aerial-systems