AJDOVŠČINA, Slovenia - Pipistrel is accepting orders for its Nuuva V300 as the flagship model of the Nuuva series of unmanned air vehicles (UAV). This aircraft commercializes the use of electrical vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) vehicles. The customizable autonomous aircraft can carry up to 460 kg and offers the efficiency and reliability of electric powertrains. Entry into service is planned for the second half of 2023.
Currently, cargo is delivered to many locations around the world with helicopters, which are excellent for hovering but much less efficient in cruise flight, as they rely solely on their rotor(s) to provide the necessary lift. Their complex flight mechanics also results in a high number of moving parts, requiring frequent maintenance and inspection, further increasing the costs of operation.
The Nuuva family combines the best of both airplane and helicopter air cargo transportation principles. The unmanned eVTOL capability enables it to go where no airplane is able to, while its hybrid configuration allows it to operate at a lower cost of a helicopter on an equivalent mission.
The large cargo compartment accepts up to 3 Euro-pallets (EPAL) that can be easily loaded with a regular forklift. The Nuuva V300 then flies a preloaded flight plan fully autonomously, controlled by a highly reliable digital flight control system. Continuous communication allows the ground operator, who manages the vehicle with simple mouse-clicks, to have ultimate control in case of changes or cancellation of the flight.
The Nuuva V300 takes-off and lands using eight independent battery-powered Pipistrel E-811 electric engines, already Type Certified. The whole system is safeguarded by the integrated health self‑monitoring system that alerts of any potential malfunction even before it occurs, increasing the reliability and safety.
