Pipistrel Aircraft has announced the successful completion of the first hover flight for its Nuuva V300, a hybrid-electric vertical takeoff and landing (VTOL) unmanned aircraft designed for long-range logistics and specialized defense operations.

The milestone brings the company closer to deploying its autonomous cargo drone, which promises to revolutionize aerial deliveries with a 600-pound payload capacity and a 300-nautical-mile range.

The Nuuva V300 represents a leap forward in hybrid-electric propulsion, combining eight battery-powered electric motors for vertical takeoff with an internal combustion engine for forward flight. This dual-power system enhances fuel efficiency, minimizes maintenance costs, and provides greater operational flexibility. The aircraft’s design allows it to carry up to three Euro pallets (EPAL) through a nose-loading fuselage, offering a streamlined solution for cargo logistics, humanitarian aid, and defense applications.