Rotor Technologies Unveils R550X Uncrewed Helicopter and Begins Production

The company is building two of the autonomous aircraft for crop-dusting customers.

Tuesday, December 05, 2023 at 03:49 PM ET

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The Rotor Technologies R550X is designed to perform missions beyond the range of drones and eVTOls. [Courtesy: Rotor Technologies].

Key Takeaways:

Rotor Technologies has unveiled and begun production of its R550X, an uncrewed, autonomous VTOL helicopter based on the Robinson R44 Raven II.
The R550X is designed to carry 1,200 pounds for up to three hours, with a top speed of 130 ktas, suitable for cargo, utility, and maritime operations beyond the scope of lighter aircraft.
It features digital flight control systems and software to operate in challenging conditions and enhance safety by mitigating common helicopter accident factors.
With initial demand from agricultural operators, Rotor expects the R550X to begin commercial operations in the U.S. in 2024, aiming to bring significant safety and economic benefits to dangerous missions.

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Rotor Technologies, Inc., a developer of autonomous VTOL aircraft, unveiled its R550X, an uncrewed helicopter based on the Robinson R44 Raven II. The Nashua, New Hampshire, company also said it has begun producing the aircraft.

Rotor said it designed the R550X to carry loads of 1,200 pounds, or 550 kilograms. It can fly for up to three hours and has a top speed of 130 ktas. The helicopter can operate beyond the range of drones and eVTOLs and is suitable for cargo, utility, and maritime operations that are too demanding for lighter aircraft.