Founded in 2017, Dufour Aerospace stands at the forefront of developing efficient and sustainable aircraft for diverse applications, including passenger transport, critical cargo transport and logistics.
The VTOL (Vertical Takeoff and Landing) aircraft uses an innovative tilt-wing design, allowing the aircraft to take off and land vertically, akin to a helicopter, but with the added advantages of increased energy efficiency and speed. The aircraft's unique tilt-wing principle, combined with hybrid elements such as electric drive propellers, positions Dufour Aerospace as a trailblazer in the aviation industry.
The Future of Cargo Transport: Dufour Aerospace's Next Aircraft
One of Dufour Aerospace's ongoing projects involves the development of a new aircraft tailored for critical cargo transport. While still in the developmental phase, this aircraft, Aero2, is designed with the tilt-wing principle in mind. Featuring electric drive propellers, the uncrewed aerial vehicle is optimised for fast and economical flight, mirroring the efficiency of airplanes.
"It’s a VTOL aircraft, a tilt-wing that can carry 40 kilos of payload over a distance of 400 kilometres,” says Jasmine Kent, CTO and Co-Founder of Dufour Aerospace. This capability positions the Aero2 as a versatile and efficient solution for various logistical challenges.
Beyond the Aero2, Dufour Aerospace is also gearing up to introduce the manned Aero3. This model amalgamates the best features of both helicopters and aeroplanes, making it an ideal choice for patient transportation and emergency interventions.
Swiss Precision: Dufour Aerospace's Choice of Location
The choice of Zurich as the manufacturing hub for Dufour Aerospace is a strategic decision rooted in the advantages offered by the Swiss ecosystem. Kent says that Zurich is Dufour Aerospace’s “center of mass”. Dübendorf Airfield, a regular testing ground for Dufour Aerospace's aircraft, provides the necessary infrastructure for rigorous testing and development. The airfield is also home to the Innovation Park Zurich, a platform dedicated to bridging industry and science, fostering research, development and innovation. This strategic positioning ensures that Dufour Aerospace is surrounded by top scientific and industry talent within the drone ecosystem.
“Our production is currently in Dübendorf and it's really an ideal site for us. We're in the prototype and pre-series phase of production, and quality is very important. So it's great that we can get such good technical talent. It's definitely a big strength of the Swiss ecosystem, education and engineering. I think they are very strong.”
Switzerland, renowned for its high quality of life, also plays a pivotal role in attracting top aviation talent. Kent underlines the significance of being located in a place that allows her team to work on leading high-tech projects and also enjoy their lives with their families in a beautiful environment.
Commercial Success in 2023
Despite being in the prototype and pre-series production phase, 2023 has been a standout year for Dufour Aerospace in terms of commercial success, with the company closing many exciting deals. One success included a partnership with Spright, which committed to purchasing forty Aero2 aircraft, with an option for an additional hundred. This strategic collaboration aligns with Dufour Aerospace's vision for the future of air transportation. The Danish company Copenhagen Helicopter, in collaboration with Copenhagen AirTaxi, also expressed interest by signing a letter of intent to purchase both Aero2 and Aero3 models. This partnership aims to bolster environmentally friendly transportation initiatives across Denmark, Germany, Sweden, and Norway.
Another significant milestone for Dufour Aerospace is the contract with European Medical Drone, a Swedish drone operator specializing in connecting hospitals through drone transportation. This contract involves the purchase of eleven Aero2 aircraft, comprising one Aero2 X2.3 prototype and ten serial Aero2 aircraft.
The original version of this article is published here.
