Nuuva V300 takes off with successful first flight

Pipistrel has announced the successful first hover flight of the Nuuva V300, a long-range, large-capacity hybrid-electric vertical takeoff and landing (VTOL) uncrewed aircraft.

The Nuuva V300 is designed to carry a 600lb payload over a range of up to 300 nautical miles and is capable of operating from paved or unimproved surfaces. The aircraft is engineered to load cargo through the nose of the fuselage, to help simplify the process for operators and allow for multiple payload configurations. Built to support a capacity of more than 100ft³, it can hold up to three cargo pallets or be loaded with loose cargo.

“We are thrilled to witness the Nuuva V300’s first flight, a demonstration of our leadership in emerging technology and advanced air mobility, as well as our commitment to multipurpose aviation solutions,” shared Kriya Shortt, President and CEO of Textron eAviation. “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.”

The new aircraft is equipped with a zero-emission electric vertical takeoff powertrain and a separate dedicated cruise propulsion system. It is powered by in-house-developed proprietary battery systems. This unique combination of technologies will enable the Nuuva V300 to operate in a wide range of environments.

The Nuuva V300 is remotely monitored by an operator at the ground control station, developed in cooperation with Textron Systems, enabling fully automatic point-and-click operations.

The aircraft, which is equipped with automatic beyond visual line of sight (BVLOS) flight capabilities, will transition from vertical to forward flight on its wings and follow the most recent flight plan until landing. The first air vehicle is powered by a fly-by-wire, triple-redundant flight control system supplied by Honeywell.

To support the continued expansion of the aircraft’s flight envelope, a second Nuuva V300 air vehicle will also join the flight program in 2025.

New Zealand Air Ambulance Service recently placed an order for two new electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft with aerospace firm BETA Technologies.