The Volodrone was imagined by the German start-up, Volocopter, known for its flying cabs.
Unveiled in October 2019 by the company, it thus differs from its two colleagues, the VoloCity and the VoloConnect, both specialized in passenger transport.
The latter does not aim to move people, moreover, no seats are provided. It was designed to carry out transport in the agricultural sector to serve places not accessible by land. Thus, its use is intended for the B2B market, and more particularly, for professionals in the field of industry.
At the moment, Volocopter hopes to obtain a European certification (EAFA), in the coming years to continue the development of its drone.
Amazing capabilities for a drone
This device has interesting features, which give it a great future prospect.
With the VoloDrone, it will be possible to carry a load of up to 200 kilos. The supplies can be contained in a net, floating under the structure of the drone, or in the form of a container. Its strength thus offers wide perspectives of actions with an autonomy of 40 kilometers. Despite the fact that it is a drone, its scale is important.
The particularity of the German firm VoloConnect, with respect to its competitors, lies in the will to propose electric flying machines. Thus, in addition to its environmental scope, it also allows to act discreetly since it is silent. The areas overflown will not be subject to noise pollution, despite the presence of several engines, 18 in total.
Moreover, the absence of a pilot is a considerable advantage. Combined with its beautiful capabilities, the VoloDrone has everything to push back the limits of conventional transport, while avoiding their inconvenience.
A drone with multiple uses
This drone offers several possible uses.
First, it can be used to meet an urgent request such as a medical delivery. The package will be delivered quickly and safely. It can also be used for heavier deliveries, thanks to its maximum load of 200 kilos.
To continue, its speed can be used to respond to a public service such as the deployment of humanitarian aid and whose land routes are not available.
In addition, these drones can be used to support the construction of infrastructure. Indeed, the load is optimal for carrying out operations on a construction site, thus facilitating many tasks.
Finally, the VoloDrone can play a major role in agriculture and forestry, by allowing the regular distribution of all kinds of seeds, but also by offering a consistent speed of movement, over land, often large.
The Volodrone, an aircraft continuing its development
After a first test flight in October 2019, the VoloDrone is currently in active testing with its partner, DB Schenker. Specializing in logistics, this company plays an important role in the development of the drone.
Often imagined as a means of delivery in the last few miles, the vision of the German start-up is quite different. For them, the drone will be a means of transport, being able to be independent and replace the traditional transport (truck, car, etc. …). Thus, it will not only be used as a complement to make a short trip. Similarly, Amazon has also been working on this mode of delivery for several years, to revolutionize home delivery.
In addition, both companies announced on July 1, 2021, the realization of the first plan for drone operations. This is a significant step forward and affirms the static proof of concept (PoC). The two partners are going further by developing a logistics network conducive to the evolution of the drone but also, of all Volocopter devices.
The final objective remains the commercialization of VoloDrone for professional purposes.
Volocopter hopes to obtain certification from the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) by 2023. Another of the company’s aircraft obtained it in July 2021, it is the flying cab, the Volocity. This allows the company to go further in the development phases of the aircraft, granting it the train to perform test flights under certain conditions.
Without certification, the development of the VoloDrone is therefore limited, due to the regulations in force to regulate the circulation of drones.
The German firm is going further by partnering with CAE, a company dedicated to aviation training. This collaboration should allow to train and certify pilots thanks to a program planned especially for the occasion. Thus, the company will have a workforce of pilots, already ready for the future.
Regarding the commercialization, no official date is foreseen for the moment, although many agreements have been established with several world leaders such as the Paris airports. The company plans to offer its services in several cities within the next five years.
Our flight experts are available 24/7 for your private flight at +33 (0) 1 44 09 91 82. Do not hesitate to visit our online quote to get a price estimate for your private flight.
