The Austrian Volare GmbH carried out successful tests with their Apeleon prototype. In a multi-stage test program, the flight characteristics of the aircraft were evaluated and important findings for the next phase, the prototype development, were collected

“Flight testing is an important part of aircraft development in order to validate mathematical models and ultimately the novel concept. The tests show which screws we still have to turn in the future, ”says managing director Andreas Fürlinger.

The demonstrator is operated like a drone as RPAS (Remotely Piloted Aircraft System), i.e. by a pilot from the ground, in line of sight. This requires an operating license from the Austrian aviation authority Austro Control. After intensive cooperation, Apeleon received the flight test permit from Austro Control for its demonstrator in the “Specific” category for UAS (Unmanned Aircraft Systems).

For this, a so-called SORA - Specific Operations Risk Assessment had to be carried out. This is a multi-stage, standardized risk analysis procedure for the use of civil drones to ensure that the drone flight can be carried out without endangering or disturbing uninvolved third parties. “The entire drone sector is currently going through an incredibly dynamic development. Innovative ideas and new technological possibilities open up ever more diverse areas of application. As an aviation authority, Austro Control supports young companies like Apeleon when it comes to enabling the testing of new technical solutions in a secure framework, ”says Valerie Hackl, Managing Director of Austro Control.

The next phase is prototype development. In the next few years, the aircraft will be developed and built in its original size and serve as the basis for aircraft certification and series production. Fürlinger emphasizes: “It is important to implement innovative and future-oriented aviation topics in Austria in order to anchor this new industry (regional air traffic) and to be represented in this area with an Austrian player. We have well-trained and motivated specialists and a good supplier industry. This means that there are important prerequisites for sustainable growth in the region. "