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 and can operate in various conditions, including at night and during limited visibility, thanks to its digital flight control systems.
Intended for demanding applications like cargo, utility, maritime operations, and dangerous missions such as crop dusting and aerial firefighting, the aircraft aims to bring significant safety and economic benefits.
The company is currently building R550Xs for agricultural operators, with first commercial operations in the U.S. anticipated to begin in 2024.

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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.