CargoTron unveils PD250 cargo drone

U.K.- and Turkey-based CargoTron has announced its middle-mile, remotely piloted PD250 cargo drone. CargoTron hopes to certify its 250 kg-capable PD250 within two years, with the last eighteen months of its expected forty-two-month development program devoted to certification, the company told Cargo Facts. [caption id="attachment_56862709" align="alignright" width="460"] The CargoTron PD250's wings fold to serve as landing gear. (Photo/CargoTron)[/caption] The drone manufacturer said that it plans to build three prototype aircraft over its development program. Each PD250 will be powered by a hybrid engine capable of a cruising speed of 97 knots and a range of 323 nautical miles. The company added that it will conduct flight testing in North America or Europe in pursuit of Federal Aviation Administration and European Union Aviation Safety Agency certification. The PD250 will feature foldable wings that double as landing gear during vertical take-off and landing operations. Like Natilus’ Kona and Reliable Robotics’ Cessna 208 modification, the PD250 will be remotely piloted — a feature that CargoTron hopes will ease its certification processes and airspace integration. Check out Cargo Facts’ Drone Database for a comparison of other unmanned cargo platforms. CargoTron said that it has held informal discussions with several logistic supply providers and has incorporated features into the design of the PD250 based on those conversations. Like other middle-mile drones, such as the Elroy Air Chaparral C1 , the PD250 will operate using detachable cargo pods. CargoTron expects the drone’s design to take 10,000 to15,000 man hours with an additional fifteen months of work until first flight, adding that it is working to raise $15 million to fund the drone’s development. Don’t miss our two upcoming events that are essential for stakeholders in Asia and Latin America: Cargo Facts Asia , taking place April 17-19 in Singapore, and Cargo Facts LATAM , taking place May 15-17 in Panama City. Register today.

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