On Thursday, the UAE marked a significant achievement by successfully testing a domestically-manufactured cargo drone.
Lodd, an Abu Dhabi-based firm specializing in unmanned aerial vehicles and AI-powered logistics, conducted the inaugural flight of its Hili drone, attended by royals, top officials, and media representatives.
(L-R) Rashid Al Manai, CEO of Lodd Autonomous, Sheikh Zayed bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan (c), Faisal Abdulaziz Al Bannai, Advisor to the UAE President for Strategic Research and Advanced Technology Affairs and Secretary-General of the Advanced Technology Research Council.
“This is a landmark achievement for both Lodd and the UAE, embodying our national vision to innovate and manufacture locally. This project, initiated two and a half years ago, culminated with the successful first flight as promised this November,” said Rashid Al Mannai, CEO of Lodd, in an interview with Khaleej Times.
Attendees examine the Lodd Autonomous hybrid VTOL aircraft closely.
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“Our flight test campaign will extend over six months, followed by an initial operational test phase. We are collaborating with the General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) for aircraft certification, a process expected to take up to two years,” he added, noting that after the test phase, the Hili will undergo nearly a year of operational testing.
The Hili drone, featuring a hybrid propulsion system combining electric and internal combustion technologies, can transport up to 250 kg over 700 kilometers, ensuring efficiency, safety, and sustainability in cargo operations.
Future of Drone Operations
Lodd has also entered into collaboration agreements with ST Engineering Commercial Aerospace and Skyports Drone Services.
The agreements were signed by Rashid Al Mannai, Kevin Chow, executive vice-president of ST Engineering, and Alex Brown, CEO of Skyports Drone Services.
Al Mannai mentioned that these companies are keen on utilizing this aircraft.
“In the next five to 10 years, the aircraft will become more intelligent. Once certified, it will transform the logistics industry, enabling same-day deliveries,” Al Mannai stated.
Discussing AI’s role, he emphasized its impact on advanced air mobility, especially logistics.
“AI will empower one pilot to control hundreds of drones simultaneously, integrating aerial and ground segments. Cargo drones will autonomously land, and AI will manage ground vehicle loading. Tracking will enable real-time product status updates for customers,” he noted.
