Tel Aviv: Israeli company Gadfin has developed a system that is enabling a fully autonomous drone delivery network, based on its record-breaking long range eVTOLs. The system can be used for commercial and security missions.
Achieving a breakthrough in the field of drone technology, Gadfin is offering the world, for the very first time, a 25Kg MTOW category electrical Vertical Take-Off and Landing (e-VTOL) unmanned air-vehicle with a flight range of more than 250 km (155 miles). Its flight range, which is further multiplied through automated ground maintenance stations that can perform an autonomous ground cycle and relaunch the drone, makes it the optimal solution for cost-effective supply of healthcare services and devices to all corners of the globe. Flying at 100 km/h (93 mph) based on a clean hydrogen electric energy supply, unique patents in aerodynamics, and patented folding wings, the Gadfin Spirit-One flies farther, faster, more quietly and more safely than any other e-VTOL in its category. Moreover, it sets a new safety standard through multiple backup and security systems (detailed below).
The Gadfin autonomous long-range service – a fully autonomous B2B aerial delivery system that can create a physical internet between warehouses, hospitals and clinics around the world with a 24/7 AI managed grid, to supply on-demand delivery in a super-fast and cost-effective manner – will revolutionize the logistics supply chain and connect peripheral areas to city centres, making critical goods available everywhere. Its novel folding wings technology allows the UAV to adapt its flight mode, allowing optimal Vertical Take Off and Landing (VTOL), as well as traditional fixed wing flight, according to the most desirable mode of flight under the specific circumstances.
Eyal Regev, Gadfin’s CEO, explains: “With wings in the folded position and smaller footprint, only a small landing area is required, manoeuvrability is enhanced, and side winds are overcome. This allows the Spirit-One to operate in urban settings as well as in other challenging operations, such as landing on marine vessels, ocean rigs, and buildings. When the Spirit-One reaches altitude and is ready for horizontal flight, it spreads it wings and flies long distances with great energy efficiency.”
The company is also currently developing a larger aircraft able to carry up to 100 kg (220 lbs.) for longer distances. The Gadfin Spirit-X is a ramped-up version of the Spirit-One and is currently under development. Spirit-X is designed for a longer flight time – more than 500 km (310 miles), at 150 km (93 miles) an hour – and a higher maximum payload, all while maintaining e-VTOL capabilities and zero harmful emissions.
-The writer is an Israel-based freelance journalist. The views expressed are of the writer and do not necessarily reflect the views of Raksha Anirveda
