Flowcopter, a Scottish drone technology manufacturer, has received a significant funding boost of nearly £1 million from Scottish Enterprise. This investment will advance the development of a groundbreaking hybrid, heavy-lift, unmanned aircraft designed to use less than 30% of the aviation fuel consumed by traditional helicopters.
The funding will support the creation of the FC100, an industrial heavy-lift drone capable of carrying up to 100kgs. Target industries for this innovative technology include retail, renewables, agriculture, emergency rescue, and humanitarian aid. Flowcopter’s expansion into larger premises in Loanhead, Midlothian, reflects its growth and commitment to this project.
The FC100 drone is unique in its use of a new type of hydraulic power take-off, enabling it to lift heavy payloads and fly for extended periods. This advancement offers the potential to significantly reduce risks to aircrew in challenging environments by transporting cargo to remote or hard-to-reach areas. Applications for the technology extend to offshore wind operations, remote logistics, crop dusting, and wildfire fighting.
The grant from Scottish Enterprise complements a total investment of £1.9 million in Flowcopter and has facilitated the creation of at least seven new jobs, expanding the team to 17 members. This development aligns with the Scottish Government's National Innovation Strategy, which aims to position Scotland as a leader in sustainable and innovative technology.
Wellbeing Economy Secretary Neil Gray highlighted Flowcopter’s alignment with the Scottish Government’s commitment to innovation and sustainability. “Sustainable aviation is key to growing our green economy,” he noted, emphasizing the government’s ambition to develop a robotics cluster and lead in Robotics and Autonomous Systems, including drones.
Jane Martin, Scottish Enterprise's Managing Director of Innovation and Investment, acknowledged Flowcopter’s potential to transform Scotland’s economy through growth and high-value job creation. She affirmed Scottish Enterprise's support in helping the company scale new heights.
Flowcopter was founded in 2019 as a spin-out from Artemis Intelligent Power and focuses on harnessing digital hydraulics for aerospace applications. Managing Director Peter McCurry expressed gratitude for the ongoing support from Scottish Enterprise, noting that it will enable the company to further develop its drone products and penetrate markets like the offshore wind supply chain.
The investment in Flowcopter is part of Scottish Enterprise’s broader economic transformation focus, highlighting its commitment to energy transition, innovation, and productivity.
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