Gulf Carrier Etihad Set to Trial Autonomous Cargo Aircraft

Etihad Cargo is to trial fellow Abu Dhabi-based Lodd Autonomous’ uncrewed vertical takeoff and landing (VTOL) craft in an attempt to augment its short-range air freight capacity. Under a collaboration signed on November 4, the UAE-based airline's cargo division will explore the integration of Lodd’s ‘Hili’ drone, which is to commence flight testing shortly.

As well as playing an integral role in “experimental operations to test the efficiency, safety, and ground logistics compatibility” of the aircraft, Etihad said it will also “explore the operational and commercial potential” of integrating the platform into its future fleet.

The VTOL-capable fixed-wing aircraft features a twin boom tail, a rear ‘pusher’ propeller, and two pairs of booms on each high wing (each equipped with a pair of rotors for vertical lift). It is powered by a hybrid-electric powertrain and offers a payload of up to 250 kilograms (521 pounds), with a range of up to 700 kilometres (380 nm). Hili can accommodate two standard ‘Euro’ sized pallets.

The Lodd design impetus of addressing the ‘middle-mile’ logistics sector fits in well with Etihad Cargo’s intended use cases. The carrier believes the aircraft could “allow for rapid parcel and cargo deliveries directly between logics hubs and warehouses without the need for airports”. LODD CEO Rashi Al Manai added that Hili’s missions could also the transportation of shipments such as pharmaceuticals.

According to Lodd, it completed the final ground test in early November and is currently preparing for flight testing at its Al Ain facility. The technology startup stated that Hili is “the first heavy-lift cargo UAV engineered, built, and powered from the heart of the UAE.”