The European drone sector has witnessed a significant technological leap with the DeltaQuad Evo vertical take-off and landing (VTOL) unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) completing a historic flight of over eight hours. This impressive feat, achieved through a collaborative effort between DeltaQuad and Tulip Tech, underscores a major advancement in electric VTOL UAV capabilities.
According to an official statement from DeltaQuad, the DeltaQuad Evo successfully maintained flight for 8 hours and 55 seconds during a recent test. This extended endurance was made possible by innovative solid-state lithium-metal battery packs developed by Tulip Tech. This duration sets a new benchmark for fully electric VTOL UAVs, allowing the DeltaQuad Evo to possess Group 3 drone endurance while maintaining a Group 1 weight profile, as highlighted by DeltaQuad.
The achievement is particularly notable given the challenging weather conditions during the flight, which included rain and wind gusts up to 22 knots. Despite these adverse factors, the DeltaQuad Evo landed with substantial battery reserves, demonstrating its robust operational reliability in real-world scenarios. This success, as mentioned by DeltaQuad, exemplifies the power of synergy and innovation within the European drone industry, showcasing how specialized companies can achieve significant breakthroughs through collaboration.
With the increasing strategic demand for persistent Intelligence, Surveillance, Target Acquisition, and Reconnaissance (ISTAR) capabilities, particularly emphasized by current operational needs in areas like the Ukrainian battlefield, the DeltaQuad Evo is poised to set a new standard for tactical endurance in electric VTOL UAVs.
DeltaQuad also indicated that an expanded test phase is planned, focusing on evaluating the drone’s performance across diverse weather conditions, with various payloads, and with different radio and navigation systems. The company anticipates making this advanced solution commercially available in the final quarter of 2025. This continuous innovation from DeltaQuad aims to push the boundaries of UAV technology, striving for unparalleled operational effectiveness.
