In Delbrück, Germany, the revolutionary ZERC VTOL aircraft is poised to transform transportation, effortlessly soaring hundreds of kilometres across the country to facilitate critical missions such as medical evacuations, fire surveillance, and industrial facility assessments – just a few examples of its vast potential applications.
The German Federal Aviation Authority has granted permission for flights beyond visual line of sight (BVLOS), clearing the way for SAIL III missions over urban areas with Globe UAV’s fixed-wing VTOL aircraft, “ZERC”, marking a significant milestone for the company as the first European firm to pioneer unmanned aviation.
In 2019, Globe UAV became the first European company to secure regulatory approval for beyond-visual-line-of-sight (BVLOS) operations of multi-copters over populated regions.
The ZERC is characterized by its exceptional quietness and near-silent flight patterns upon transitioning into a horizontal trajectory. With a remarkable wingspan of nearly three metres and a takeoff weight of approximately 25 kilograms, this aircraft is capable of covering distances of up to 200 kilometres solely on battery power, while its hybrid mode enables it to travel an impressive 500 kilometres. With six hover motors providing redundancy during takeoff and touchdown, the craft’s stability is further enhanced by a reliable parachute system.
The Zenith Emergency Response Center (ZERC) is operated via the cellular community, leveraging the SkyGate ground station to facilitate routine processes, including operation maintenance, flight preparation, weather documentation, and other essential functions.
Beyond visual line of sight refers to flights of drones or unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) that take place beyond the visible line of sight of the pilot. While operators are often off-site, they still command drones from a remote control station at their desk.
The European Union’s Small UAV Systems (SAIL) concept provides a regulatory framework for specific categories of drone operations within its jurisdiction. The SAIL III designation indicates a moderate risk level, necessitating specific precautions to ensure safety and security.
VTOL refers specifically to the capability of an aircraft to take off and land vertically, applying to both multi-copters and a select few fixed-wing planes. When discussing Vertical Takeoff and Landing (VTOL) aircraft, they typically refer to aerial programmes that initially climb vertically before transitioning to fly horizontally.
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