Rigi Technologies plans further certification for drone ops

Switzerland-based Rigi Technologies is pursuing further certification of its drone delivery platform as it ramps up its operations. The company’s Eiger drone has achieved certification for its safety systems and control mechanism and is expected to receive additional certifications for expanded operations in the next two to three years, Rigi Technologies told Cargo Facts. [caption id="attachment_56860941" align="alignright" width="460"] The Eiger had its first flight in 2021. (Photo/Rigi Technologies)[/caption] First flying in 2021, the Eiger features four vertical-facing electric motors supplemented by one propeller toward the aft of the drone, giving the vertical take-off and landing (VTOL)-capable Eiger a payload capacity of 2.5 kg over ranges of up to 100 km. Rigi Technologies told Cargo Facts that it currently operates in Switzerland, France, Denmark, the United Kingdom, Czechia, Spain and Italy. The company previously also operated in Qatar, Senegal and South Africa. Healthcare is a key industry for Rigi’s operations and the Eiger has been deployed in laboratory logistics and medical deliveries, but the company said that it is also looking to expand into maritime and other business-to-business (B2B) operations, with DSV among the customers it has already secured. Rigi’s Eiger drone can operate beyond visual line of sight (BVLOS) in Europe based on the European Union Aviation Safety Agency’s (EASA) Specific Operations Risk Assessment (SORA) flight permissions. The Eiger has a variety of safety sensors and systems such as Automatic Dependent Surveillance-Broadcast (ADS-B) and a ballistic parachute. In terms of payload, the Eiger is similar to the Matternet M2 , which recently became the first Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) type-certified drone. Matternet was also the first drone company to receive a production certificate for its M2 . The healthcare sector has also spurred regional drone development in Israel, where startup Gadfin has entered a five-year agreement with medical logistics company Sarel to begin drone delivery services to eleven hospitals. Cargo Facts EMEA, the essential event for stakeholders in Europe, the Middle East and Africa, will take place live Feb. 6-8 in Dubai. Register today to take advantage of early-bird pricing.

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