COVER STORY
There are around 50,000 airfi elds
worldwide which could receive cargo with an aircraft like the Black Swan
Carbon fi bre provides a resilient yet lightweight structure
onboard pilot or cockpit necessary. Global availability was a key factor
when considering fuel options for the Black Swan, which can run on gasoline, ethanol and bioethanol. Dronamics is also looking to adopt synthetic fuel and is researching hydrogen-based solutions for once the technology is more widely available. As opposed to traditional aerospace
travel that requires substantial ground-level infrastructure for take- off and landing, the Black Swan can be operated with minimal cargo loading and unloading equipment. This leads to reduced need for warehousing as goods can be shipped on demand. “The Black Swan’s ability to land
on airstrips as short as 400 metres – even unpaved – means it will often operate in low-maintenance airports, airfi elds, logistics hubs or factory lots,”
says Rangelov. “To begin with, we are targeting existing infrastructures because it allows for quicker implementation and commencement of operations. There are around 50,000 airfi elds worldwide which could receive cargo with an aircraft like the Black Swan.” In the longer term, Dronamics plans
to build additional drone ports to open new routes and reach underserved communities. The planned future development of water-landing and belly-dropping capabilities of the Black Swan will help to open routes in diff icult areas, such as small islands. In fact, as Dronamics is already
licenced to fl y in the EU, the company’s current focus is on establishing connections between northern Greece, Athens and the nearby islands that are currently awaiting an eff icient air cargo
solution. Dronamics is already in the process of establishing its fi rst drone port in the Mediterranean to support this plan.
FLYING FORWARD “Looking ahead, we plan to expand into the Middle East, supported by partnerships with companies like Aramex, Qatar Airways Cargo and Abu Dhabi’s Strategic Development fund,” Ranglov adds. “We’re working on plans for our fi rst manufacturing facility for mass production of the Black Swan.” The democratisation of cargo
deliveries is just beginning, with Dronamics lacing together new trade routes through its own technology and existing infrastructure. This maximisation of eff iciency and increased globalisation will be something to watch in 2025 and beyond.
The Black Swan can land on air strips as short as 400 metres
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