Dufour Aerospace announced that Air Energy has been selected as a supplier for the smart battery packs for the hybrid-electric propulsion system of the uncrewed tilt-wing aircraft Aero2.
Air Energy will design the battery housing, the mechanical and electrical connection of the battery packs and the battery management system for the Aero2.
Jasmine Kent, co-founder and CTO of Dufour Aerospac, said: “Aero2 is a hybrid VTOL aircraft, so batteries are a critical component, and it was very important to us that we find the right partner. Air Energy has an outstanding track record of supplying high performance battery systems for light aircraft, and we are proud to select them to provide the battery modules for Aero2.
“Each module has its own battery management system (BMS), enabling in-flight charging of the batteries, allowing us to approach the landing zone with a full charge and maximum performance. It also enables rapid touch-and-go ground turnaround, without having to wait between flights for recharging. We are excited to partner with Air Energy on the supply of these critical power modules for our first production aircraft.”
Christoph Schäper, managing director at Air Energy, said: “It is a great pleasure for us being selected by Dufour to supply the smart battery packs for Aero2. The entire team is excited to join forces with such an exceptionally professional, ambitious and dynamic partner. We strongly believe in the concept of the envisioned Aero2 drone and look forward to contributing to its success in the coming years.
“Air Energy will bring in its experience in battery and BMS development gained over the last 30 years. Within the past decade, Air Energy focused increasingly on development and production of drone batteries. By the end of 2023, we will have produced over 1,500 batteries, all of them protected by BMS systems developed in house.
“In our strive to become a leading manufacturer of drone and aircraft batteries, it is important for us to partner with the most dynamic and innovative companies. The cooperation with Dufour Aerospace will be a perfect match.”
This press release was prepared and distributed by Dufour Aerospace.
