Pioneering Heavy-Lift Quadcopter UAVs for Defense and Industry

ACC Innovation AB, based in Åtvidaberg, Sweden, is at the forefront of developing and manufacturing some of the world’s largest unmanned quadcopters. With a focus on heavy-lift vertical take-off and landing (VTOL) unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), the company has carved a niche in both industrial and defense sectors. Their UAVs boast maximum take-off weights (MTOW) ranging from 500 to 2000 kilograms, positioning them as formidable alternatives to traditional manned helicopters for various applications.

Company Overview and Strategic Vision

Founded in 2007, ACC Innovation operates under the umbrella of the ACC Group, which includes subsidiaries like Ocean Modules Sweden AB and Industrigallerian A.E AB. The company’s headquarters are strategically located in Åtvidaberg, near Linköping—often referred to as Sweden’s “aeronautical capital.” This proximity provides access to a rich talent pool from Linköping University and facilitates collaborations within the aerospace industry.

ACC Innovation’s facilities include a 1,500 square meter area dedicated to aircraft manufacturing, prototyping, and offices within the Industrigallerian complex. Additionally, the company owns and operates a large hangar at Västervik Airport, home to Sweden’s largest premises for drone flight testing. These facilities enable ACC Innovation to conduct extensive testing and demonstrations of their UAVs, ensuring reliability and performance.

Advanced UAV Platforms

ACC Innovation’s product lineup features several heavy-lift UAVs designed for various applications:

• DragonFly 2S: A cost-effective model powered by a two-stroke engine, offering robust performance for budget-conscious operations.
• DragonFly 4S: Similar in performance to the 2S but equipped with a four-stroke engine, focusing on higher payload capacities.
• Thunder Wasp GT: A medium to heavy-lift quadcopter with a maximum payload capacity of 400 kg, suitable for industrial tasks.
• Thunder Wasp 2xGT: An advanced variant featuring dual turboshaft engines, placing it in a class of its own for heavy-lift operations.

These UAVs are designed with versatility in mind, capable of accommodating various power sources to suit specific mission requirements. This adaptability allows clients to select power configurations based on factors like MTOW and flight duration.

Strategic Partnerships and Defense Applications

In May 2025, ACC Innovation entered a significant collaboration with Finnish defense company Patria to develop a military-grade version of the Thunder Wasp GT for NATO forces. This partnership aims to adapt the heavy-lift quadcopter for defense applications, incorporating features like secure communications, mission planning capabilities, and payload integration suitable for contested environments.

The militarized Thunder Wasp GT is designed to operate in challenging conditions, including Arctic environments shared by Nordic countries. Enhancements will focus on navigation under extreme conditions, secure data links, and comprehensive mission outcome analysis.

This collaboration underscores ACC Innovation’s commitment to expanding its UAV applications into the defense sector, leveraging Patria’s extensive experience in military research and development.

Commitment to Innovation and Quality

ACC Innovation emphasizes a solution-oriented approach, aiming to address specific tasks and challenges through their UAVs. The company prides itself on providing evidence-based performance claims, offering live demonstrations at their flight ranges in Åtvidaberg and Västervik.

By fostering close cooperation within the Industrigallerian complex, ACC Innovation benefits from a collaborative environment that encourages innovation across various industries. This synergy contributes to the continuous improvement of their UAV platforms, ensuring they meet the evolving needs of clients in both industrial and defense sectors.

Conclusion

ACC Innovation AB stands as a leader in the development of heavy-lift quadcopter UAVs, offering versatile and robust solutions for a range of applications. With a strong foundation in innovation, strategic partnerships, and a commitment to quality, the company is well-positioned to meet the growing demands of both industrial operations and defense missions.