NEX Aero

NEX Aero is a company in Germany that is developing a cargo drone for maritime and offshore missions. The aircraft is meant to move urgent loads by air where land and water routes are slow.

The aircraft is a heavy-lift VTOL platform with hybrid-electric propulsion. It can carry up to 100 kg of time-critical cargo. With a combustion range extender, its range is up to 600 km. It takes off and lands vertically, so it does not need a runway. The company says it can launch in minutes and fly far beyond line of sight. It is built to keep working in wind, around salt water and on moving decks.

The first missions are in maritime and offshore work. One use is resupplying ships that are underway. Cargo goes to a moving deck without the ship changing course or docking. A second use is bringing parts and tools to wind turbines and service vessels at sea, even in rough conditions. A third use is moving critical cargo to platforms and remote industrial sites without waiting for helicopter slots.

The company describes a three-step plan. Now, it is developing the aircraft and checking real use cases with early customers and partners. Next, it plans flight testing and first missions in real offshore conditions. Then it plans to grow from maritime and offshore work into inland logistics.

The company says cargo around the world needs to move quickly, and that moving it by land or water is inefficient. It aims to close that gap from the air. Its executive team has aerospace engineering skills along with product and business experience, from DLR, Porsche, Volocopter and Intel. Operators with a mission can contact the company to test the aircraft. It also invites people in hardware, software and business to join.

Services

• Cargo UAV development
• Maritime resupply
• Offshore wind farm logistics
• Remote industrial cargo