Dufour Aerospace has completed the delivery of its Aero2 X2.2 demonstrator aircraft to U.S.-based drone operator Spright. This delivery marks a key milestone in the partnership that began in November 2022 and signifies a major leap in the international expansion of the Swiss company's operations.
The Aero2 X2.2 is a pre-production experimental drone that underwent a full range of flight tests, including the critical transition from hover to cruise flight, demonstrating its advanced capabilities. Earlier in the year, Dufour also hosted a multi-week pilot training program in Zurich for Spright's team, which included simulator sessions and actual flights.
Following the training, the aircraft was prepared and shipped from Zurich to Oregon, where it arrived as scheduled and underwent a few technical adjustments in preparation for demonstration flights. This marks the Aero 2's debut outside of Swiss airspace, showcasing Dufour's confidence in the drone's performance and Spright's operational capabilities.
Joe Resnik, President of Spright, commented on the successful training in Switzerland and timely delivery of the aircraft, indicating that the demonstration flights in the U.S. would showcase the Aero 2's potential in a new environment.
Thomas Pfammater, CEO of Dufour Aerospace, highlighted the importance of transferring piloting skills and confidence from test pilots to new operators, citing the partnership with Spright as a testament to this success.
This partnership, which saw Spright placing the largest order of Dufour's drones to date — 40 firm Aero2 units with an option for 100 more — represents a significant commitment to advancing the drones technology and its applications in the commercial sector.
Looking ahead, Dufour Aerospace is not resting on its laurels; the company is already working on the X2.3, the first hybrid-electric variant of the Aero2. With its focus on automated cargo transport — capable of carrying 40 kg over 400 kilometers — and other public safety applications, the Aero2 is on track for commercial market entry in 2025.
This move is a strategic one for both Dufour and Spright, indicating the growing role of heavy lift drones in logistics and the importance of international collaboration in advancing the space. It remains to be seen how the Aero2 will perform in the American skies, but its arrival underscores the rapid development and global interest in next-generation aerial logistics solutions.
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