The United Arab Emirates has unveiled its first domestically produced hybrid cargo aircraft. The plane was inaugurated on Thursday (13 November) in Abu Dhabi by UAE President Sheikh Zayed bin Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan.
The aircraft, named ‘Heli’, is developed by UAE-based company Ludd Autonomous. It is called a hybrid because, while fully electric, it has a generator that activates if the battery runs out.
Ludd Autonomous CEO Matar Al Mannai told Gulf News that Heli can carry up to 250 kg of cargo for a distance of 700 km on a full charge. He explained that the aircraft is more efficient than fuel-powered cargo planes in remote areas or locations with limited takeoff and landing infrastructure.
Al Mannai added, “Our biggest challenge was creating an electric aircraft capable of flying long distances continuously. Heli’s propellers have been specially designed for smoother and faster operation, and the generator ensures uninterrupted flight if the battery depletes.”
He further noted, “As the world increasingly turns towards electric vehicles, Heli represents a significant milestone.”
GLIVE/TSN