Heli Unmanned Aircraft Secures 200 Orders And Bolsters Abu Dhabi's Autonomous Flight Sector

LODD Autonomous is reporting solid global interest in its Heli unmanned aircraft, with more than 200 units already ordered across the UAE and other markets. Demand is being driven by customers seeking quicker cargo movement between logistics sites, as businesses explore new aerial options to reduce delivery times and infrastructure costs.

Heli is designed as a vertical take-off and landing aircraft, powered initially by electric systems that allow it to rise like a helicopter. Once airborne, it shifts to forward flight using a conventional engine, which enables higher speed and longer range, combining drone-style flexibility with aircraft-style performance.

The aircraft can transport payloads of up to 250 kilograms across distances reaching 700 kilometres. These specifications target direct cargo routes between warehouses and industrial locations, without needing runways or complex ground facilities. This profile is aimed at logistics, e-commerce, industrial supply chains and other operators where speed and access are critical.

Rashid Al Manai, Chief Executive Officer of LODD Autonomous, stated that orders for Heli passed 200 units within three months of its commercial presentation to customers. Interest has come from the UAE and international buyers, which Al Manai sees as evidence of confidence in the aircraft’s performance and the appeal of rapid aerial cargo solutions.

Al Manai said the programme is currently in the flight testing stage, with two aircraft being used to verify that all systems meet design standards. Before entering civilian service, Heli must complete aviation certification and obtain approvals from operators and relevant regulators in each jurisdiction where it will be used.

Initial pilot operations are planned to start around mid-2027, once early approvals are in place. Full certification is expected in 2028 by the UAE General Civil Aviation Authority, which would allow broader commercial deployment and open the way for wider adoption in regional and international logistics networks.

Heli was conceived, designed, developed and manufactured entirely within Abu Dhabi, and completed its maiden flight in November 2025. Al Manai described the programme as an important step for local manufacturing and unmanned aviation technologies, supporting Abu Dhabi’s ambitions to grow automated air transport capabilities and strengthen its role in autonomous systems industries.

With inputs from WAM