Scottish Firm Conducts First Outside Trials in Denmark
In latest weeks, Scottish firm Flowcopter has performed profitable checks of its heavylift cargo drone within the devoted drone airspace at HCA Airport in Odense, Denmark. These checks mark Flowcopter’s first out of doors flight trials, with the corporate choosing HCA Airport as its European take a look at base.
Flowcopter examined one in every of three FC100 drones constructed over the previous yr, aiming to validate a brand new class of Uncrewed Air Programs (UAS). These trials, which happened exterior the UK, symbolize a major milestone for the corporate’s FC100 cargo drone, designed for logistics, offshore, and agricultural functions.
“We’re returning residence with our technical readiness checks accomplished and can be implementing a design freeze to share this mannequin with a number of shoppers,” said Uwe Stein, Technical Director at Flowcopter.
Environment friendly Authorization Course of
Stein highlighted the advantages of selecting HCA Airport, praising the environment friendly take a look at services and streamlined authorization course of facilitated by Danish authorities.
“We discovered the appliance course of for flight authorisation to be extremely easy with an enormous quantity of assist from the Danish Civil Aviation and Railway Authority. It was additionally an ideal assist for us that UAS Denmark Take a look at Centre contributed with recommendation and expertise in relation to making ready threat analyses for the flight allow,” Stein mentioned.
Spectacular Capabilities
Flowcopter’s “FC100” drone, known as an “utility copter” or “uUAS,” is engineered to ship substantial lifting capability over lengthy distances. The drone can raise as much as 100 kilograms over 200 kilometers and fly for as much as three hours. These trials on the UAS Denmark Take a look at Middle validate Flowcopter’s expertise, paving the way in which for future uUAS able to carrying over 300 kilograms.
The uUAS employs a strong, low-cost hydraulic drive to manage the propellers, providing a light-weight various to comparable electrical techniques. That is achieved by way of a quick management response Digital Displacement® pump driving hydraulic motors.
Early Adoption and Market Entry
Early adopters of Flowcopter’s expertise are anticipated to incorporate operators in agriculture, offshore wind, and search and rescue operations. Flowcopter is already in discussions with potential shoppers within the broader cargo logistics sector.
Michael Larsen, Head of UAS Denmark Take a look at Centre, expressed delight in Flowcopter’s selection of HCA Airport and highlighted the strategic benefits for non-EU firms.
“We’re joyful and proud that Flowcopter has chosen HCA Airport and UAS Denmark Take a look at Centre as its European take a look at base. It underlines that we are able to supply a powerful mixture of excellent take a look at services and quick access to getting your drone within the air,” mentioned Larsen. He added, “So on this approach, we’re a straightforward entry level to the European marketplace for drone firms that wish to function within the EU, and we’re prepared to assist others who’re in the identical state of affairs as Flowcopter.”
Flowcopter’s profitable trials mark a major development within the growth of high-capacity, long-range UAS, setting the stage for broader functions and market entry in Europe.
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