Pipistrel has achieved a first hover flight with its Nuuva V300 hybrid-electric VTOL uncrewed aircraft. On January 31, the Textron eAviation subsidiary announced the flight had happened at its facility in Gorizia, Italy, marking the start of a flight test program that will soon be supplemented by a second full-scale prototype of the 600-pound payload, multi-role drone.

The Nuuva V300 is one of several planned members of the Nuuva family and is expected to have a range of around 300 nm, operating from paved and unpaved surfaces. With more than 100 cubic feet in a hold that loads through a door in the nose of the fuselage, the aircraft should be able to carry up to three standard cargo pallets or be loaded with loose freight to support more varied logistics missions.

Separate units for vertical and cruise flight are incorporated in the Nuuva’s electric propulsion system, which has been developed in-house at Pipistrel. This features an evolution of the E-811 electric engine the company has already certified with EASA for the Velis Electro light aircraft, and a battery system.

Point-and-click Remote Piloting

According to Pipistrel, the aircraft will be remotely monitored by an operator working at a ground control station. Sister company Textron Systems has developed technology that it said will support “point-and-click” autonomous operations. This division of the U.S. aviation and defense group has extensive experience producing uncrewed command and control systems for U.S. Army drones.

The Nuuva features beyond visual line of flight capability and is designed to transition from vertical to horizontal flight on its wings while following the most recent flight plan until landing. Honeywell has developed a fly-by-wire, triple-redundant flight control system for the aircraft.

“The Nuuva V300’s unique capabilities and robust design will not only transform logistics but also play a crucial role in commercial and defense missions such as search and rescue, humanitarian aid, disaster relief, and ship-to-shore deliveries,” said Kriya Shortt, president and CEO of Textron eAviation.

According to Pipistrel, large drones like the Nuuva V300 could be approved for operations under existing European Union 2019/947 regulations, which are based on the Specific Operations Risk Assessment process, but this pathway has yet to be confirmed. "While significant progress has been made, with pilot projects and trials underway in several countries, widespread regulatory acceptance is still a few years away," Gabriel Massey, president and managing director of Pipistrel told AIN, adding that both EASA and the FAA are developing frameworks for approval.

Pipistrel is also contributing to Textron eAviation’s work to develop the Nexus four-passenger eVTOL technology demonstrator with sister company Bell Helicopter. It produces the first EASA type certified electric aircraft, the Velis Electro, and is involved in several initiatives to advance plans for hydrogen-powered aircraft. 

The Textron eAviation business unit also includes a German subsidiary which develops digital flight controls under the Amazilia Aerospace brand.

This article was updated on February 5 with additional information about the approval process for the Nuuva V300 and its propulsion system.