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Rotor Technologies, Inc.
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Rotor - Model R550 Airtruck - ...

Rotor - Model R550 Airtruck -Heavy-lift Unmanned Aircraft

Rotor’s “Airtruck” (R550) heavy-lift unmanned aircraft, which is a retrofit conversion of the Robinson R44 helicopter into a cargo/utility UAV that cannot carry people. Airtruck is a heavy-lift unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) based on the Robinson R44 helicopter platform, sold as a retrofit kit rather than a new airframe. Rotor’s UAVs are designed for utility missions such as agriculture and firefighting and are explicitly not certified to carry people.

63 cubic feet of internal volume

Airtruck is a versatile unmanned platform that can carry large payloads internally or externally and can be modified to suit your specific mission needs.

Quad-redundant comms

Airtruck is equipped with four concurrent communications links as standard, including line-of-sight radios, 4G/LTE, and Starlink. Options are available for up to seven links.

360-degree sensing

Airtruck's five cameras and terrain lidar provide collision warning and full-coverage situational awareness in all weather conditions.

Gas-powered versatility

A Lycoming 6-cylinder aviation engine provides heavy lifting power and long flight times even in cold weather — without the need for electric charging infrastructure.

Deploy anywhere

Transport Airtruck on-road without disassembly and set up for flight in less than 15 minutes. Airtruck is designed to deploy quickly and easily anywhere in the world.

Single-pilot operations

Rotor’s flight control software brings intuitive autopilot functionality and autonomous safety features, making Airtruck safe and easy to operate for a remote pilot.

Max Gross Weight

2,500 lb (1,134 kg)

Useful Load

1,102 lb (500 kg)

Fuel Capacity

12.5 Gal (47.3 L)

Endurance

50 min (Export-capable configuration)

Operating Range

> 50 mi (80 km)
BVLOS capable, subject to regulatory restrictions

Max Operating Altitude

14,000 ft (4,300 m) MSL

Flight Control System

Full Authority Fly-by-Wire

Sensors

1x Forward Camera
2x Side Cameras
1x Downward Camera
1x Tail Camera
1x Radar Altimeter
1x Terrain Lidar

Communications

1x 2.4 GHz LOS Radio
2x 4G/LTE
1x Starlink Mini

Available Autopilot Modes

Stability Augmented (Always-on)
Attitude Control Velocity Hold (ACVH)
Translational Rate Command (TRC)

Autonomy Functionality

Waypoint Navigation
Terrain Avoidance
Emergency Return-to-home

Recommended Crew

1x Remote Pilot
1x Visual Observer

Regulatory Approval

Experimental Category in the U.S.
Commercial approval in Brazil and other countries

Required Support Equipment

Ground Control Station
R550 Trailer