It is not a toy, a surveillance or information-gathering device, nor is it a military-industrial development: it is a serious working machine. At this year’s World Congress on Intelligent Transport Systems (ITS World Congress) in Hamburg, the German-developed Volodrone was unveiled to the public at the Port of Hamburg.
The vehicle, designed for freight transport, is a proprietary development by the air taxi manufacturer Volocopter, who are working on the project in partnership with logistics provider DB Schenker. DB Schenker is a subsidiary of the railway company Deutsche Bahn, and last year they entered the development as an investor and partner.
The three-minute demonstration was a logistics simulation, demonstrating the capabilities and uses of the machine. The Volodrone is equipped with 18 rotors and is electrically powered. Among other things, the drone is capable of transporting ISO-compliant pallets of goods, with a maximum load capacity of 200 kg and a range of 40 kilometres (the machine reached an altitude of 22 metres during the demonstration) – making it ideal for delivering cargo to places that are otherwise difficult to reach (e.g. for delivering pharmaceuticals and foodstuffs), according to its developers.
The manufacturer also said that the standard load attachment allows the Volocopter to carry a wide range of goods, such as boxes, crates, liquids, or even machinery and equipment to construction sites. Florian Reuter, the company’s CEO, said proudly that the test flight proved that their company is a leader in the urban air mobility (UAM) segment, especially as they are the only company that he knows of that offers both passenger and freight transport solutions.
Although the CEO may have been exaggerating in his marketing, it is clear that several major German cities, including Berlin, are planning to introduce this type of freight transport solution in the coming years, and that they can expect a market for it.
More articles you may be interested in...
EVTOL & VTOL News & Articles
EHang’s EH216-S eVTOL Operators Obtain Air Operator Certificates
News & Articles Propulsion-Fuel
How viable is hydrogen propulsion for aviation ?
Imagine boarding a plane that hums quietly into the sky, leaving nothing behind but a faint trail of water vapor. No choking fumes, no guilt about your carbon footprint just a smooth, clean ride. That’s the promise of hydrogen propulsion, a technology that’s been buzzing around the aviation world like...>>>...READ MORE
Drones News & Articles
Development of combat drones in the US region
The development of combat drones represents one of the most significant technological and strategic shifts in modern military doctrine. Over...>>>...READ MORE
News & Articles Points of interest
Autonomous flight versus human control – Which way is the future?
News & Articles Propulsion-Fuel
China’s hypersonic leap: A propulsion breakthrough poised to reshape global aerospace
Air taxi News & Articles
New business models – The role of electric air taxis in urban transport
Electric airplane News & Articles
Pelican 2 unveiled: the world’s largest autonomous spraying aircraft
Additional aircraft News & Articles
Regent Craft begins testing all-electric seaglider
In a remarkable stride toward sustainable transportation, the U.S.-based company Regent Craft has unveiled the...>>>...READ MORE
moreDrones News & Articles
The hydrogen-powered military drone is launched
Drones News & Articles
Delivery by drones in 2025
EVTOL & VTOL News & Articles
Archer Aviation and Palantir Technologies unite to forge the AI-driven future of aviation
On March 13, 2025, a groundbreaking collaboration was unveiled in Santa Clara, California, as Archer...>>>...READ MORE
News & Articles Propulsion-Fuel
Evolution and Implications of Battery Charging Technology for evtol and Electric Aircraft in 2025
Additional aircraft News & Articles
Bio-inspired drone technology: pioneering Mars exploration
Researchers at the Faculty of Mechanical Engineering and Naval Architecture (FSB) at the University of...>>>...READ MORE
moreEVTOL & VTOL News & Articles
Evolution of eVTOLs and electric aircraft in 2025: A comprehensive analysis
The year 2025 marks a pivotal period for electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft and electric aviation as the industry transitions from conceptual development to commercial implementation. This analysis examines the current market landscape, technological advancements, regulatory frameworks, and future prospects for the industry based on the most recent...>>>...READ MORE