RG-1-A Alpha: A Vertical Takeoff and Landing Drone Successfully Lifts Heavy Cargo
The RG-1-A Alpha, a vertical takeoff and landing (VTOL) drone developed by the American startup Sabrewing, has successfully lifted cargo weighing up to 374 kg during its first hover flight, as reported by New Atlas on October 4th. According to Sabrewing, this achievement surpasses the previous world record for the dead-lift capability of commercial unmanned VTOL vehicles. In 2018, the Skyf drone set a record by lifting 100 kg and transporting it over a distance of 100 meters.
RG-1-A Alpha successfully lifted 374 kg of cargo. (Image: Sabrewing)
Alpha is a prototype of the Rhaegal unmanned cargo aircraft developed by Sabrewing. Dead-lift refers to the ability to lift cargo straight up from the ground using only thrust from the motors. Under similar conditions, fixed-wing aircraft can typically lift heavier loads than VTOL aircraft due to the lift generated by their wings.
Sabrewing states that Alpha is the first automated cargo aircraft capable of taking off in both traditional and vertical modes. Its four rotors can switch from horizontal to vertical positions, allowing it to fly like a conventional fixed-wing aircraft. In this mode, Alpha can lift and transport cargo weighing up to 1,814 kg.
Weighing 1,225 kg, Alpha has a maximum speed of 370 km/h and can reach an altitude of 6,700 meters. The aircraft is equipped with a turbo-electric propulsion system, integrating the Ariel 2E motor produced by the French aerospace company Safran. This motor drives a generator that produces nearly 1 MW of electricity, powering the motors of the four rotors.
The commercial version of Rhaegal is expected to measure 14.6 meters in length, with a wingspan of 17 meters and a dead-lift capability of up to 2,454 kg. In fixed-wing mode, it can lift and carry 4,545 kg of cargo. Sabrewing has received orders for 28 units, with deliveries expected to begin in December next year.
