The DelftaCopter is a research hybrid VTOL tail-sitter UAV from the MAV Lab at Delft University of Technology, combining a single large helicopter-style rotor with a delta-shaped biplane wing for fast efficient forward flight. It weighs ~4.3 kg and was built to fly ~60 km autonomously for the 2016 Outback Medical Express UAV Challenge.
| Country | Netherlands |
|---|---|
| Subcategory | VTOL / Hybrid |
| Subtype | Research VTOL tailsitter UAV |
| Role | Academic VTOL research demonstrator |
| Classification | Research VTOL tailsitter UAV |
| Mission | Research, Autonomous long-range delivery (demo) |
| MTOW (kg) | 4.3 |
| Operators | TU Delft (research) |
| Frame type | Tailsitter |
| Propulsion | Battery-electric single main rotor + tip propellers |
| Range (km) | 60 |
| Combat-proven | No |
| Export status | Research, not commercial |
| Launch method | Vertical takeoff (tailsitter) |
| Autonomy level | Fully autonomous (hover, transition, vision-based landing) |
| Recovery method | Vertical landing (tailsitter) |
| Year introduced | 2016 |
| Max speed (km/h) | 90 |
| Standard sensors | Computer-vision camera, GPS/INS autopilot |
| Production status | Research prototype |
| Airframe / lift type | VTOL hybrid – tailsitter |
| Control / autonomy level | Fully autonomous (human-off-the-loop, AI-navigated) |
| Domain | Aerial (UAV/UAS) |
| Mission / use case – civil | Delivery / logistics, Research |
| Origin / supply chain | Military-grade |
| Propulsion | Electric (LiPo / Li-ion) |
| Range / endurance | Short range (50–150 km) |
| Signature / detectability | RCS – small |
| Speed regime | Medium (50–150 km/h) |
| Threat vector | Smuggling / payload delivery |
| Weight / class | Class I – Mini (2–20 kg), FAA <25 kg (Part 107) |