UAV & Drones
Abu Dhabi’s LODD Autonomous Launches UAE’s First Hybrid Heavy-Cargo UAV
LODD Autonomous completes maiden flight of Hili, UAE’s first hybrid heavy-cargo UAV, enhancing autonomous logistics with global partnerships and innovation.
Hili Takes Flight: Abu Dhabi Spearheads a New Era in Autonomous Cargo Logistics
In a landmark moment for the United Arab Emirates, Abu Dhabi-based LODD Autonomous has successfully completed the inaugural flight of “Hili,” the nation’s first hybrid heavy-cargo unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV). This achievement, unveiled during the first-ever Abu Dhabi Autonomous Week, isn’t just about a new drone taking to the skies; it’s a powerful statement of intent. The UAE is strategically positioning itself not merely as a participant but as a global leader in the burgeoning fields of advanced air mobility (AAM) and next-generation autonomous logistics. The development and successful test of a homegrown heavy-lift UAV signals a significant leap in the nation’s technological and industrial capabilities.
The Hili project represents a core component of a much larger national strategy, strongly backed by the UAE’s Advanced Technology Research Council (ATRC). The goal is clear: to build a robust, innovation-driven ecosystem that can design, build, and deploy high-impact technologies for a global market. The successful flight, which took place at LODD’s test facility in Al Ain, demonstrates a remarkable acceleration from concept to reality. Founded only in May 2023, LODD Autonomous has moved with incredible speed, proving that the UAE’s vision for a future built on autonomous systems is rapidly materializing. This isn’t just a technological milestone; it’s a strategic one, aimed at revolutionizing the supply chain and establishing Abu Dhabi as a central hub for the future of logistics.
From Blueprint to Big Sky: The Rapid Ascent of Hili
The journey of the Hili UAV from a design concept to a flight-ready aircraft has been nothing short of meteoric. LODD Autonomous, established in May 2023, froze the aircraft’s configuration by February 2024 and had completed all ground testing by October 2025. This compressed timeline is a testament to the focused, safety-first engineering program implemented by the company and reflects the dynamic environment fostered by Abu Dhabi’s strategic investment in technology. The successful maiden flight on November 13, 2025, was not just a test; it was a showcase of the UAE’s capacity for rapid, indigenous innovation in a highly complex and competitive aerospace sector.
Unlike many cargo drones that are retrofitted from passenger designs, Hili was purpose-built for logistics. This design philosophy is evident in its practical features, such as a modular cargo bay designed to hold two standard Euro-pallets and an easy side-loading mechanism. The aircraft is engineered for full autonomy, from vertical take-off to landing, and incorporates real-time monitoring to ensure operational integrity. This focus on pure cargo application is aimed squarely at solving a persistent challenge in the global supply chain: the “middle-mile.” This segment, which involves moving goods from large distribution centers to smaller, local hubs, is often plagued by inefficiencies that Hili is designed to overcome.
Powering this innovation is a sophisticated hybrid-electric propulsion system. This design choice cleverly combines electric motors for the energy-intensive vertical take-off and landing phases with a traditional internal combustion engine for efficient long-range forward flight. According to the official announcement, this configuration gives Hili an impressive payload capacity of 250 kilograms and a substantial range of up to 700 kilometers. This blend of power and endurance makes it a versatile tool for a wide range of logistics operations, capable of connecting disparate parts of a supply network quickly and efficiently.
“The first flight of Hili marks a defining moment for LODD and for Abu Dhabi’s advanced aviation industry… This milestone demonstrates the UAE’s capability to deliver homegrown technologies with global impact, reinforcing its position as a hub for advanced air mobility and next-generation logistics.” – Rashid Al Manai, CEO of LODD Autonomous
Forging Alliances: Global Confidence and Strategic Partnerships
Even before its first flight, the Hili project garnered significant attention and, more importantly, secured the confidence of major players in the global logistics industry. This early market validation is a powerful indicator of the aircraft’s perceived potential and the strength of LODD’s vision. A series of high-profile agreements signed in the weeks leading up to the flight underscore the strong commercial interest in this new platform. These Partnerships are not just symbolic; they lay the groundwork for Hili’s integration into existing and future logistics networks, both locally and internationally.
On November 3, 2025, a Memorandum of Understanding was signed with Etihad Cargo, the cargo division of the UAE’s national airline. This agreement made Etihad Cargo the first Airlines to adopt an aircraft designed and built in Abu Dhabi, a proud moment for the nation’s aviation sector. Shortly after, on November 10, a collaboration agreement was inked with EMX, supported by the Abu Dhabi Investment Office (ADIO), to integrate drone logistics into smart supply chain operations. These local partnerships are crucial for establishing a domestic ecosystem where Hili can be tested, refined, and scaled.
The interest extends far beyond the UAE’s borders. During the flight ceremony itself, LODD formalized agreements with two international powerhouses. An agreement with UK-based Skyports Drone Services, a global leader that conducts operations for the Royal Mail and the NHS, opens doors to European markets. Skyports sees Hili as a key asset for expanding its heavy-lift, long-range capabilities. Simultaneously, a deal was signed with Singapore’s ST Engineering, one of the world’s largest aerospace companies, to introduce the Hili aircraft to key markets across the Asia Pacific. These strategic alliances provide LODD with a clear pathway to global markets and validate the Hili platform on an international stage.
Conclusion: Charting the Course for an Autonomous Future
The successful first flight of the Hili UAV is more than a single event; it is a clear indicator of the UAE’s strategic direction. By fostering an environment that can produce advanced technology like Hili, Abu Dhabi is solidifying its role as a global hub for innovation. The project, backed by entities like the ATRC and the Smart and Autonomous Systems Council (SASC), showcases a holistic approach. The UAE is not only developing the hardware but is also proactively creating the regulatory framework needed for its safe and effective deployment. The government’s work on establishing dedicated air corridors for autonomous cargo Drones, with a target for commercial services by 2026, demonstrates a clear, long-term vision.
Looking ahead, the implications are vast. The Hili platform and others like it have the potential to fundamentally reshape logistics, making supply chains faster, more efficient, and more resilient. For the UAE, this represents a significant step in diversifying its economy and exporting high-value, homegrown technology. As Faisal Al Bannai, Secretary-General of the ATRC, noted, this achievement demonstrates that a dedicated team in the UAE can build technology to compete with established global players. The flight of Hili is not an end point, but the beginning of a new chapter in which Abu Dhabi helps write the future of autonomous aviation.
FAQ
Question: What is the Hili UAV?
Answer: Hili is the UAE’s first indigenously designed, built, and tested hybrid-electric, vertical take-off and landing (VTOL) heavy-cargo Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV). It was developed by the Abu Dhabi-based company LODD Autonomous.
Question: What are the key specifications of the Hili aircraft?
Answer: According to the official press release, the Hili UAV has a payload capacity of 250 kilograms and a range of up to 700 kilometers. It features a modular cargo bay capable of holding two standard Euro-pallets.
Question: What is the strategic importance of Hili’s first flight?
Answer: The flight is a major milestone in the UAE’s strategy to become a global leader in advanced air mobility (AAM) and autonomous logistics. It demonstrates the nation’s growing capability to develop and manufacture advanced aerospace systems and export homegrown technology.
Sources: PR Newswire
Photo Credit: LODD
UAV & Drones
Airbus Helicopters Unveils U145 Uncrewed H145 Variant at ILA Berlin
Airbus Helicopters revealed the U145 UAS mock-up at ILA Berlin 2026, targeting a maiden flight by end of 2026 and service entry in the early 2030s.
Airbus Helicopters unveiled a full-scale mock-up of the U145, an uncrewed variant of its H145 twin-engine helicopter, at the ILA Berlin airshow on June 8, 2026. The platform is designed to serve as a high-capacity, mission-agnostic uncrewed aerial system (UAS) for both military and civil operators.
In a press release issued during the event, the manufacturer confirmed that the U145 will leverage the existing H145 airframe and Safran Arriel 2E engines while removing the physical cockpit to maximize cargo volume. The aircraft represents the company’s second conversion of a crewed helicopter into a UAS, following the VSR700 program based on the Cabri G2.
Design and operational timeline
The U145 will feature a maximum take-off weight (MTOW) of 3,800 kilograms. To facilitate its primary role in high-volume cargo supply, the design incorporates specific structural adaptations, including an integrated nose door and a foldable loading table.
Airbus Helicopters plans to conduct the maiden flight of the U145 by the end of 2026, with a safety pilot onboard during initial testing. The company targets an entry into service in the early 2030s.
“With the U145, we are offering our customers an autonomous, uncrewed version of our H145 helicopter, combining the proven airframe, power and useful load of the H145 with the autonomy of a UAS,” stated Matthieu Louvot, CEO of Airbus Helicopters.
Parallel development in the United States
The European U145 program runs concurrently with a similar initiative led by Airbus U.S. Space & Defense. The United States division is developing the MQ-72C, an autonomous variant of the UH-72B Lakota, which is the United States military version of the H145 family.
The MQ-72C is tailored for the United States Marine Corps (USMC) Aerial Logistics Connector program, designed to provide autonomous resupply capabilities in contested environments. Airbus integrated the Hivemind autonomy package from Shield AI into the MQ-72C, achieving its first autonomous flight in August 2025.
In April 2026, the MQ-72C completed an integrated autonomous flight test. During this evaluation, the aircraft demonstrated the ability to scan landing zones, detect obstacles, and identify alternative landing sites using technology provided by partners Shield AI, L3Harris Technologies, and Parry Labs.
Future mission expansion and partnerships
While initial development focuses on logistics, Airbus intends the U145 to feature a modular architecture capable of supporting diverse mission profiles. Projected future applications include disaster management, firefighting, armed scouting, and surveillance.
The manufacturer is also exploring the platform’s potential as a drone mothership for air-launched effects, partnering with European missile manufacturer MBDA for this capability. Louvot noted that Airbus will collaborate with leading autonomous mission partners to expand the UAS ecosystem in Europe.
The baseline H145 family provides a mature foundation for the uncrewed variant. According to Airbus, more than 1,800 H145 family helicopters are currently in service globally, having accumulated over 8.5 million total flight hours.
AirPro News analysis
We view the U145 and its MQ-72C counterpart as a pragmatic approach to heavy-lift autonomous vertical flight. By utilizing an airframe with 8.5 million flight hours rather than developing a clean-sheet design, Airbus significantly reduces aerodynamic and mechanical risk. The removal of the cockpit and associated life-support systems likely yields a substantial payload dividend, making the 3,800-kilogram MTOW highly efficient for cargo operations. The dual-track development between Europe and the United States also allows Airbus to satisfy distinct regulatory and defense procurement requirements while sharing core autonomy learnings across the Atlantic.
Sources: Airbus
Photo Credit: Airbus
UAV & Drones
Xeriant and UAV Corp Sign MOU to Advance Drone and Aerospace Tech
Xeriant and UAV Corp sign MOU to combine advanced materials with drone airships, targeting enhanced aerospace performance and space exploration.
This article is based on an official press release from Xeriant, Inc. and UAV Corp.
On May 22, 2026, Xeriant, Inc. (OTCQB: XERI) and UAV Corp. (OTCPK: UMAV) announced the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to explore a strategic combination. According to the official press release, this potential merger or acquisition aims to integrate Xeriant’s advanced materials with UAV Corp’s lighter-than-air drone platforms.
The collaboration seeks to leverage synergies across advanced materials, quantum AI, hybrid propulsion, and unmanned aerial systems (UAS). A key objective outlined in the announcement is positioning the combined entity for an uplisting to a major national exchange, such as the Nasdaq or the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE).
We note that this MOU brings together Xeriant’s eco-friendly, fire-resistant composites and UAV Corp’s expanding portfolio of semi-rigid and rigid drone airships, potentially addressing critical engineering challenges in the aerospace and defense sectors.
Technological Synergies and Material Integration
Enhancing Drone and Airship Performance
The core of the proposed combination centers on material optimization. Xeriant’s flagship DUREVER™ brand, which includes the fire-resistant and eco-friendly NEXBOARD™ composite panels, is slated for integration into UAV Corp’s platforms. According to the press release, utilizing these advanced nanomaterials will make UAV Corp’s airships and drones lighter, stronger, and highly fire-resistant.
UAV Corp., operating through its wholly owned subsidiary Skyborne Technology, develops the DART (Detachable-Airship-Retractable Tether) Series. These platforms are engineered for persistent surveillance, disaster relief, precision agriculture, and military applications. The integration of Xeriant’s materials is expected to directly enhance the flight performance and durability of these systems.
Brig. Gen. Blaine Holt (Ret.), President of Xeriant’s Factor X innovation division, noted that the companies’ technologies are a natural fit to optimize weight and durability. In the company release, Holt stated:
“This relationship will position both companies to accelerate innovation across aerospace, defense, and emerging space applications while advancing toward a major exchange listing.”
Expanding Horizons: Space Exploration and Market Growth
Near-Space and Moon-Mars Initiatives
Beyond terrestrial applications, the MOU outlines ambitious plans for space exploration. The companies are actively exploring applications for near-space and Moon-Mars missions. The press release specifically highlights the potential utilization of Helium-3 (H3), an isotope prevalent on the Moon, which could be leveraged for advanced propulsion, energy systems, and novel structural designs in space-based efforts.
Commercial Traction and Industry Demand
The strategic combination comes at a time of significant growth for both companies and their respective industries. Industry projections cited in the provided research report estimate the global unmanned aerial vehicle market will exceed $58 billion by 2027.
UAV Corp. has recently demonstrated substantial commercial traction. In early 2025, the company announced $105 million in Letters of Intent (LOIs) for its DART Series, followed by a $420 million LOI in March 2025 for a multi-system purchase of its DART 600 Series mid-altitude drone airships. To scale manufacturing, UAV Corp. is breaking ground on a “SKY” Hangar at its Costin Airport facility in Florida. Concurrently, Xeriant expanded its product line in May 2026 with NexPatch™, a fire-resistant joint compound complementing its NEXBOARD™ panels, addressing growing national demands for non-combustible building materials.
AirPro News analysis
We view this MOU as a highly consequential development for micro-cap aerospace investors. The pairing of Xeriant’s materials science expertise with UAV Corp’s pending commercial contracts, totaling over $525 million in LOIs according to the provided data, creates a compelling value proposition for the combined entity.
The explicit mention of Helium-3 and lunar initiatives adds a highly ambitious, forward-looking dimension to the partnership. While the immediate benefits will likely be seen in the weight reduction and fire resistance of the DART Series airships, the long-term goal of uplisting to a major exchange indicates strong confidence from both management teams in their combined technological and commercial trajectory.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the purpose of the MOU between Xeriant and UAV Corp?
The MOU establishes a framework to explore a strategic combination, such as a merger or acquisition, to integrate Xeriant’s advanced materials into UAV Corp’s drone airships and pursue an uplisting to a major stock exchange.
What technologies are involved in the partnership?
The collaboration focuses on advanced materials (like Xeriant’s fire-resistant DUREVER™ composites), quantum AI, hybrid propulsion, and unmanned aerial systems (UAS).
What are the recent financial milestones for UAV Corp?
According to the provided research report, UAV Corp secured $105 million in LOIs in early 2025 and a $420 million LOI in March 2025 for its DART Series airships.
Sources
Photo Credit: UAV Corp
UAV & Drones
Matternet and Amprius Partner to Develop Advanced Drone Batteries
Matternet and Amprius collaborate to integrate high-energy silicon anode batteries into next-gen delivery drones, aiming for 2027 production.
Matternet and Amprius Forge Strategic Partnership to Power Next-Generation Delivery Drones
On May 19, 2026, Matternet, a pioneer in urban drone delivery, and Amprius Technologies (NYSE: AMPX), a developer of silicon anode lithium-ion batteries, announced a strategic collaboration. According to a company press release, the partnership is designed to advance the performance and economics of autonomous aerial delivery networks by integrating high-energy-density battery solutions into commercial drone fleets.
Amprius’s proprietary silicon anode cells, specifically its SiCore® batteries, are already actively powering Matternet’s current M2 delivery aircraft. The newly announced extension of this collaboration will see the two companies jointly engineer optimized battery solutions tailored specifically for Matternet’s next-generation drone platform. Both companies have stated that they are targeting volume production readiness for early 2027.
For the commercial drone sector, battery performance remains a critical bottleneck. By shifting from traditional graphite-based batteries to advanced silicon anode technology, operators aim to unlock longer flight routes, heavier payload capacities, and faster fleet turnaround times. This partnership signals a concerted effort to mature drone hardware for mass commercial scaling.
The Technological Shift in Drone Delivery
Silicon Anode vs. Traditional Graphite
The core of this strategic partnership revolves around the transition to silicon anode batteries. According to industry data provided in the partnership announcement, Amprius’s silicon anode cells can deliver up to twice the energy density of conventional graphite-based batteries. In the aviation sector, where battery weight directly constrains range and payload, this technological leap provides significantly more power at a fraction of the weight.
The joint engineering effort will focus on tuning cell selection, form factor, thermal performance, charge rate, and cycle life. By saving minutes in charging times and grams in overall aircraft weight, operators can theoretically increase fleet utilization and payload capacity, driving down the cost per delivery.
“At Amprius, we are focused on partnering with category leaders in applications where battery performance changes what is possible. Matternet is exactly that kind of partner, a company with a proven certified platform, real commercial operations, and a clear path to scale,” said Tom Stepien, CEO of Amprius Technologies, in the official release.
Scaling Commercial Operations
Matternet’s Expansion and Fleet Goals
Matternet currently holds the distinction of being the world’s only drone delivery company to possess both Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Type Certification and Production Certification. The company has a proven track record, having conducted over 60,000 commercial flights across urban and suburban environments in the United States and Europe. Initially focused on business-to-business healthcare logistics, Matternet expanded into direct-to-consumer drone delivery operations in Silicon Valley in 2024.
The collaboration with Amprius is timed to align with Matternet’s broader fleet expansion plans. As the company prepares its next-generation aircraft architecture, optimizing the power source is a primary objective for achieving commercial sustainability.
“Amprius delivers best-in-class battery performance, and in drone delivery that translates directly into commercial advantage. Every additional mile of range expands our network coverage. Every minute saved in charging increases fleet utilization,” stated Andreas Raptopoulos, Founder and CEO of Matternet.
Amprius Technologies’ Aviation Footprint
Financial and Market Context
Amprius Technologies has been steadily expanding its footprint within the unmanned aviation sector. Beyond Matternet, the battery manufacturer already supplies drone delivery platforms operated by Nokia Drone Networks and Nordic Wing. This latest partnership represents a strategic deepening of their aviation portfolio.
Financially, Amprius has shown significant recent growth. As of May 2026, market reports indicate the company posted 173% revenue growth over the trailing twelve months, reaching $90.3 million, with a market valuation of approximately $2.25 billion. This growth underscores the increasing demand for high-performance battery cells in specialized industrial applications.
AirPro News analysis
We observe that while artificial intelligence and autonomous flight software frequently dominate the conversation surrounding the “Physical AI” era, the physical limitations of battery technology ultimately dictate the viability of the drone delivery business model. The Matternet-Amprius partnership highlights a broader industry trend: the maturation from proof-of-concept flights to the rigorous optimization of unit economics.
However, it is important to maintain a grounded perspective on the timeline and financial realities of this sector. While Amprius’s silicon anode technology offers undeniable performance advantages, advanced battery production is highly capital-intensive. Despite reporting high revenue growth, Amprius currently operates at a net loss as it scales its manufacturing capabilities. The targeted 2027 volume production readiness will be a critical milestone to watch, as it will test whether these technological gains can be manufactured at a scale and price point that makes widespread urban drone delivery profitable.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the goal of the Matternet and Amprius partnership?
The partnership aims to advance the performance and economics of autonomous aerial delivery by developing optimized silicon anode battery solutions for Matternet’s next-generation drone platform.
Why are silicon anode batteries important for drones?
Silicon anode batteries, like those developed by Amprius, offer up to twice the energy density of traditional graphite batteries. This allows drones to carry heavier payloads, fly longer distances, and charge faster, all while reducing the overall weight of the aircraft.
When will the new drones be ready for commercial use?
Matternet and Amprius are targeting early 2027 for volume production readiness of the optimized battery solutions for the next-generation fleet.
Sources
Photo Credit: Matternet
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