Photo: Dufour Aerospace
Aero2 is the autonomous hybrid-electric VTOL (vertical takeoff and landing) that comes from Switzerland, but that has already secured customers around the world. After years of developing and testing prototypes, Dufour Aerospace is closer to finally kicking off production for its first aircraft.
It's been nearly a decade since the founders of Dufour Aerospace started working on their first prototype, the Aero1. At the time, that was an electric aerobatic airplane. The Aero2 concept integrated VTOL capabilities and a modular hybrid-electric propulsion system. It was officially introduced in 2018 as a two-seater for air taxi operations.
What set the Aero2 apart from the competition was the unique combination of a tilt-wing design with hybrid-electric propulsion. This design enabled it to take off and land vertically, like a helicopter, yet cruise at high speed (320 kph/199 mph) like an airplane. The modular system with an optional auxiliary power unit could increase its range to an impressive 800 km (497 miles).
The result was a futuristic-looking machine that claimed to offer high-speed air transportation and the same cost per kilometer as a car but with drastically lower emission levels. The Aero2 also claimed to be much quieter than conventional helicopters – one of the main advantages of eVTOL operations in urban centers.
Five years after the Aero 2 was first introduced, the Swiss company is moving forward with its production plans. Like all eVTOL manufacturers, it's trying to secure the best suppliers in the industry. The most recent one to join the project is Air Energy, an expert in battery and BMS (battery management systems) development.
Air Energy boasts three decades of expertise, but it focused mainly on drone battery technology for the last decade. It will now add the battery modules for the Aero2 to its list of drone-related achievements.
More specifically, Air Energy will design the battery housing, the mechanical and electrical connection for the battery packs, and the BMS for Aero2.
A smart battery system is essential for the Swiss eVTOL. Jasmine Kent, Dufour co-founder and CTO, explains that each battery module will have its own BMS. The future aircraft will be able to land fully charged, which equals maximum performance, due to its in-flight recharging capabilities. This also means fast and effective turnaround because there's no need to wait for in-between flights recharging.
The Aero2 was impressive enough to conquer the US market. Earlier this year, an agreement between Dufour and Spright, the drone division of Air Methods, was touted as the biggest drone purchase for the civilian sector in American history. Spright committed to purchasing 40 Dufour aircraft, with the option of adding 100 extra units.
The most recent version of the Aero2 boasts a larger fuselage and wingspan, paired with an H tail instead of a conventional one. Commercial production is set to start in two years.
What set the Aero2 apart from the competition was the unique combination of a tilt-wing design with hybrid-electric propulsion. This design enabled it to take off and land vertically, like a helicopter, yet cruise at high speed (320 kph/199 mph) like an airplane. The modular system with an optional auxiliary power unit could increase its range to an impressive 800 km (497 miles).
The result was a futuristic-looking machine that claimed to offer high-speed air transportation and the same cost per kilometer as a car but with drastically lower emission levels. The Aero2 also claimed to be much quieter than conventional helicopters – one of the main advantages of eVTOL operations in urban centers.
Five years after the Aero 2 was first introduced, the Swiss company is moving forward with its production plans. Like all eVTOL manufacturers, it's trying to secure the best suppliers in the industry. The most recent one to join the project is Air Energy, an expert in battery and BMS (battery management systems) development.
Air Energy boasts three decades of expertise, but it focused mainly on drone battery technology for the last decade. It will now add the battery modules for the Aero2 to its list of drone-related achievements.
More specifically, Air Energy will design the battery housing, the mechanical and electrical connection for the battery packs, and the BMS for Aero2.
A smart battery system is essential for the Swiss eVTOL. Jasmine Kent, Dufour co-founder and CTO, explains that each battery module will have its own BMS. The future aircraft will be able to land fully charged, which equals maximum performance, due to its in-flight recharging capabilities. This also means fast and effective turnaround because there's no need to wait for in-between flights recharging.
The Aero2 was impressive enough to conquer the US market. Earlier this year, an agreement between Dufour and Spright, the drone division of Air Methods, was touted as the biggest drone purchase for the civilian sector in American history. Spright committed to purchasing 40 Dufour aircraft, with the option of adding 100 extra units.
The most recent version of the Aero2 boasts a larger fuselage and wingspan, paired with an H tail instead of a conventional one. Commercial production is set to start in two years.
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