In its latest move toward adopting autonomous cargo transport operations, Ameriflight has provisionally agreed to purchase up to 35 Rhaegal-A VTOL cargo drones from Sabrewing Aircraft Company. The company announced it had signed a letter of intent covering the purchase of the cargo drone fleet on February 15.
Ameriflight, which is based in Texas, is the largest Part 135 cargo airline in the United States. In recent years the company has been taking steps to introduce autonomous and semi-autonomous flight technology into its fleet, partly in response to the ongoing pilot shortage. Just last month, Ameriflight announced plans to purchase 20 autonomous freighter aircraft from Natilus. The company is also working with Merlin Labs to convert its existing fleet of Cessna Grand Caravans to have autonomous flight capabilities using Merlin’s so-called “drop-in” autonomy kit.
“In looking to the future, adding this advanced aircraft to our portfolio will complement our fleet and increase our assortment of assets, allowing us to expand our service areas through the development of warehouse distribution operations,” said Ameriflight President and COO Alan Rusinowitz. “With a payload capability of 2,000+ pounds, the Rhaegal-A is perfectly suited for the medium lift category operation. Sabrewing’s record-setting technology guiding Rhaegal-A as the world’s first autonomous cargo aircraft capable of both vertical and conventional take-off is an incredible milestone, and we are excited to partner with them on this new fleet.”
Sabrewing, a California-based start-up company, is developing a new generation of hybrid-electric uncrewed aerial vehicles (UAVs) with vertical takeoff and landing capabilities. The company’s family of aircraft offer higher efficiency, more range, and a greater cargo-carrying capacity than other commercially available UAVs, all while reducing operating costs, according to Sabrewing.
A pre-production prototype of the Rhaegal-A, also known as RH-1-A or “Alpha,” made its first hover flight last September while lifting a record-setting payload of 829 pounds. The remotely piloted aircraft has four ducted fans and a wingspan of 30 feet, weighing in at just over 2,700 pounds. It can fly at altitudes up to 22,000 feet at a maximum speed of 200 knots, and the company has said it will offer a range of up to 1,000 nautical miles. Sabrewing has also begun developing a larger Rhaegal-B model, which will be about twice the size of the Rhaegal-A. Also in the works is an even larger model called Wyvern, which will be double the size of the Rhaegal-B.
“We’re committed to developing advanced, versatile, and efficient air cargo solutions with our best-in-class Rhaegal aircraft that maximize on long range, payload capacity, and sustainable fuel efficiency to successfully deliver on a range of cargo missions,” explained Ed De Reyes, CEO of Sabrewing. “We’re excited to be at the forefront of autonomous innovation and to have Ameriflight at our side, with this new agreement marking the Alpha’s first American launch customer.”
Sabrewing is still working to achieve FAA and EASA type certification for the Rhaegal-A. Ameriflight said it aims to begin taking deliveries from Sabrewing as soon as the Rhaegal-A is certified, which is expected to happen in the first quarter of 2024.
