The Aero2 is Dufour’s revolutionary unmanned drone, able to delivering 40 kg of payload as much as 400 km distance, or 20 kg of payload over 1000 km. The entry into service product is meant to be automated, permitting an operator to handle the Aero2 mission from a floor station console.

We spoke with Daniel Bazzani, Lead Engineer for Flight Check at Dufour Aerospace, to discover how new Dufour Aerospace prospects will function this state-of-the-art drone plane.

So, how does an operator execute a mission with the Aero2?

Daniel Bazzani (DB): The operator pre-programs the mission, which embody a takeoff, a set of mission waypoints, and a touchdown profile. Due to this simplicity, they may very well be working multiple Aero2 at a time, they usually gained’t be those flying the aircraft, or transferring a joystick. As an alternative, the Aero2 is flies itself, primarily based on waypoints and profiles which have been pre-programmed forward of time. We plan to develop an ecosystem for streamlined operation. Customers can entry checklists, maps, and mission planning instruments inside these instruments. Operators also can set payload configurations and examine middle of gravity limits as a way to guarantee takeoff readiness. The guidelines will likely be built-in seamlessly into the plane’s techniques. This integration simplifies the guidelines course of, enhancing effectivity for the operator.

Is the software program for mission planning developed by Dufour?
DB: Sure. Dufour is growing the software program to make sure seamless integration with the Aero2’s distinctive options, equivalent to its tilt-wing design and strong flight management techniques.

Can operators manually pilot the Aero2, or is full automation the final word aim?
‍DB: Initially, our focus is on pre-planned missions with restricted in-flight modifications. In fact, future variations may enable for higher flexibility primarily based on buyer wants. Our goal is to cut back operator workload whereas permitting mission flexibility to make sure protected and environment friendly operations.

So, as soon as I’ve obtained my Aero2, what does the coaching appear like? How a lot coaching is required for an operator?

DB: Coaching begins with floor college, overlaying plane familiarization, operational constraints, and regulatory compliance. Operators then progress to simulator coaching, which simulates regular and failure situations, making ready them for real-world operations. With the Aero2, the plane flies routinely whereas the operator manages the mission.

On condition that a lot of the flying is automated, how superior is the automation within the Aero2 system?

DB: The automation system is already at a really superior stage. It has been developed fully in-house and has been refined on information from 1000’s of actual full transition flights to make sure protected and strong efficiency.

To date, what milestones have been achieved with automation?

DB: The testing of our automation has made nice progress. With our present check plane now we have been in a position to reveal computerized takeoffs, transitions, waypoint navigation, and emergency procedures. We’re repeatedly advancing our automation capabilities to align with our entry into service objectives for Aero2.

We’re on a terrific path to constructing a totally automated hybrid VTOL Aero2. Thrilling occasions in aviation!