Delair, a prominent drone manufacturer, has introduced its latest innovation, the DT61 drone, at the 2025 Paris Air Show. This new fixed-wing, vertical takeoff and landing (VTOL) aircraft is designed for extended observation missions and boasts a significantly enhanced payload capacity, according to a recent company announcement.
The DT61 is described as a multi-mission platform, suitable for the inspection and surveillance of expansive land and sea areas in both civilian and military contexts. A statement from Delair indicated that the drone offers over seven hours of flight endurance and can communicate across distances exceeding 100 kilometers.
Despite its advanced capabilities, the DT61 maintains a compact logistical footprint. Delair mentioned that it can be transported in a standard pickup truck and deployed by a two-person team in under 30 minutes. The drone has a total mass of 100 kg and can carry payloads up to 15 kg. Its modular design allows for the integration of various high-performance sensors, including cooled mid-wave infrared (MWIR) optronics systems, Ground Moving Target Indication (GMTI) Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR), and signals intelligence sensors, enabling multiple payloads to be used simultaneously on a single mission.
The development of the DT61, according to Delair, leveraged the company’s 15 years of experience in drone system design and incorporated operational feedback from its global customer base. The company also stated that the project benefited from collaborations with French suppliers: Aviation Design for aerodynamic and mechanical design, and Shield Robotics, a subsidiary of Evotech Group, for development and flight testing.
Delair anticipates that the DT61 will commence its initial operational missions in the latter half of 2025, with commercial availability expected by the end of the year. The company noted that the introduction of the DT61 further solidifies its position across the entire drone segment, now offering a comprehensive range of drones from 1 to 100 kg, encompassing fixed-wing, multirotor, and loitering munition platforms, all controlled by their universal DRAKO ground control station.
