Dufour Aerospace

Dufour Aerospace specializes in the creation of efficient and environmentally friendly aircraft for various applications such as patient and passenger transportation, logistics, and public safety. The company's innovative approach is centered around the tilt-wing principle, which is demonstrated in its ongoing development of the Aero3 aircraft. The Aero3 combines the vertical takeoff and landing capabilities of a helicopter, with the speed and efficiency of an airplane. With electrically driven propellers and hybrid components—such as conventional turbines or fuel cells—the Aero3 ensures a sufficient range for its operations. In addition to the Aero3, Dufour Aerospace was also working on the Aero2 (for cargo), an unmanned aerial vehicle that also incorporates the tilt-wing concept (May 2023).

In August 2024, the company concluded the first hover flight for its Aero2 unmanned eVTOL prototype, “X2.3.” The aircraft included several design changes, including an H-tail and skid landing gear, replacing the preceding prototypes' cruciform tail, and wheeled gear.

The Aero3 can carry up to eight passengers and travel for over 1,000 km or three hours using its electric hybrid system at a cruise speed of 350 km/h. The company claims that the Aero3 aircraft possess the unique ability to perform vertical takeoffs and landings similar to a helicopter while maintaining the energy efficiency and speed of an airplane during its cruise phase.

Key customers and partnerships

In November 2022 , Spright announced the purchase of up to 140 Aero2 unmanned tilt-wing aircraft, representing the largest commitment by an operator for the Aero2 design (May 2023). Dufour Aerospace has also secured many commercial partnerships with entities such as Savback Helicopters , Blueberry Aviation , AirMobility Inc. , and V-Star Powered Lift Aviation. The company also has established technological partnerships with several entities such as Suter Industries and RUAG .

Funding and financials

In January 2023 , Dufour Aerospace secured an undisclosed Series B investment from Vista Global Holding Limited, existing investors, and two new investors. The funds were slated for the development of sustainable aviation technologies. In May 2023, Dufour Aerospace was chosen by Innosuisse, the innovation agency of the Swiss Confederation, to receive a grant of CHF 2.5 million (~ USD 2.8 million) as part of the 2022 call for projects under Innosuisse's Swiss accelerator program.