HCM CITY — CT UAV has announced the successful design and test flight of a new heavy-lift unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV), the CT Pegas 230, capable of carrying payloads of up to 100kg.

The aircraft has a maximum take-off weight of 230kg. The company said the UAV is designed for transport operations in a range of sectors and could expand the use of locally developed UAV technology.

The CT Pegas 230 can transport materials and equipment to hard-to-reach construction sites and mining areas, particularly in mountainous, remote or difficult terrain.

For marine and island operations, the UAV can transport goods between the mainland, islands, vessels and offshore facilities. It can also support the installation of power transmission systems and renewable-energy infrastructure, including wind and solar power projects.

The aircraft could also be used in disaster response, particularly during the rainy and storm season, to deliver food, drinking water, medicines and other essential supplies to areas that are difficult to access by conventional means.

According to CT UAV, the company received orders for 135 aircraft from several domestic organisations on the first day after the CT Pegas 230 was introduced. It is also working with partners in several other countries.

Heavy-lift UAVs such as the CT Pegas 230 require advanced engineering in areas including airframe design, propulsion, flight control, wind resistance and stability while carrying heavy payloads, as well as operational safety.

CT UAV said it is also researching a super-heavy UAV capable of carrying a payload of up to 500 kilos. The new aircraft is expected to be introduced in the near future. — VNS