(Update: Cooperation with Rheinmetall; drone potentially to be manufactured in North Rhine-Westphalia.)

BERLIN/OTTOBRUNN (dpa-AFX) - Aviation company ERC System aims to enter series production with a transport drone three years earlier than originally scheduled. At the International Aerospace Exhibition (ILA) in Berlin, the Ottobrunn-based start-up is showcasing an unmanned aircraft designed for both military and civilian applications. 'Victor is a dual-use heavy-lift drone with a hybrid propulsion system, capable of carrying 250 kilograms with a range of 300 kilometers,' said Head of Sales Maximilian Oligschläger. 'The first Victor prototype is set to take flight this year, and we plan to launch series production in 2028.' The manufacturing facility, which could create a three-digit number of jobs, may be located in North Rhine-Westphalia rather than Bavaria. ERC System, defense contractor Rheinmetall, and the state government signed a corresponding Letter of Intent at the ILA.

Electric Aircraft Prove Challenging Terrain for Start-ups

Two German start-ups have already faced severe financial distress or insolvency while developing electric aircraft: Volocopter and Lilium. Volocopter was acquired by a Chinese buyer with a significantly reduced workforce, while Lilium collapsed, with its technology sold to a U.S. firm. Since start-ups typically lack experience in establishing industrial-scale production, ERC System has brought Rheinmetall on board as a partner. The drone is designed to feature a hybrid powertrain combining a diesel engine with an electric motor.

Air Rescue Services as Strategic Partners

The outlook appears favorable in another respect: the young company, founded in 2020, has aerospace service provider IAGB as an investor, reducing the need for continuous fundraising rounds. Another partner in the drone project is Northern Helicopter, a wholly-owned subsidiary of DRF Luftrettung. To date, the start-up has been developing a vertical take-off and landing (VTOL) aircraft named 'Charlie,' intended as a flying ambulance and slated for market entry in 2031 - a project in which Deutsche Luftrettung is already involved. ERC System unveiled the unmanned prototype 'Romeo' just a few months ago.

Defense and Drone Boom Provides Tailwinds

According to Oligschläger, the development of the new drone is expected to be both faster and more cost-effective. 'We can now bring a product to market three years earlier than planned, with significantly lower development costs.' In doing so, ERC System is capitalizing on the current boom in the defense and drone sectors.

'We were approached by military officials who would prefer not to have pilots in aircraft today,' the manager stated. 'However, Victor is not intended solely for the military; it is a dual-use product also suitable for civilian applications, such as offshore logistics or firefighting.' According to company statements, interest from potential customers is high: 'We have scheduled over 100 meetings at the ILA,' Oligschläger said./cho/DP/stw