Sabrewing’s VTOL-capable Rhaegal-A uncrewed cargo drone.
Part 135 cargo carrier Ameriflight has signed a letter of intent to purchase 35 Rhaegal-A drones from startup Sabrewing Aircraft following type certification of the aircraft, the companies announced.
Ameriflight plans to use the Rhaegal’s vertical takeoff and landing (VTOL) capability to carry more than a ton of cargo to off-airport alternative landing zones, opening new opportunities for the company in distribution center logistics.
“In looking to the future, adding this advanced aircraft to our portfolio will complement our fleet and increase our assortment of assets, allowing us to expand our service areas through the development of warehouse distribution operations,” Ameriflight President and COO Alan Rusinowitz said. “With a payload capability of 2,000-plus pounds, the Rhaegal-A is perfectly suited for the medium-lift category operation.”
Dallas-based Ameriflight ships high-priority freight for express carriers including FedEx, UPS and DHL, serving 200 destinations in the U.S., Canada, Mexico, the Caribbean and South America. Its current fleet of 156 aircraft consists of four turboprop types: the Beechcraft 99, Beechcraft 1900, Embraer EMB-120 Brasilia and Fairchild SA-227 Swearingen Metroliner.
The current Rhaegal is powered by a single Safran Arriel 2E turboshaft engine driving a generator that powers electric motors in four ducted fans. Sabrewing conducted the first tethered hover flight of the prototype in September 2022; the aircraft lifted a payload of 829 lb. The company is awaiting its G-1 certification basis from the FAA, Chairman and CEO Ed De Reyes told AAM Report in January.
Sabrewing says it is designing a more capable version of the Rhaegal with a larger, Safran Ardiden 3 turboshaft and bigger fans to increase its VTOL payload to 2,000 lb. It expects to begin deliveries in the first quarter of 2024.
The latest agreement to acquire uncrewed aircraft is Ameriflight’s second since the start of 2023. In January, the carrier announced a conditional agreement to purchase 20 Kona cargo drones from San Diego-based startup Natilus, a transaction valued at $134 million. Described as a short-haul feeder aircraft, the Kona will be capable of carrying a 3.8-ton payload, says Natilus, which is headed by former Piper Aircraft aerodynamicist Aleksey Matyushev.
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