The American company MightyFly, with support from the United States Air Force, has officially unveiled the Cento, a hybrid-propulsion cargo drone designed to revolutionize autonomous aerial logistics.
The model stands out for its innovative combination of a combustion engine and nine electric motors powered by batteries. Eight of these motors are used for vertical takeoff and landing (VTOL), while one additional electric motor powers horizontal flight.
The combustion engine functions as a generator during flight, recharging the batteries midair, which eliminates the need for ground-based recharging. This architecture allows the Cento to perform multiple consecutive flights, with all necessary energy supplied by the onboard fuel tank.
Capable of carrying up to 45 kg of cargo, the Cento features an automated loading and unloading system via a specialized compartment. The aircraft can reach speeds of up to 241 km/h, fly at altitudes of up to 1,500 meters, and cover up to 966 kilometers on a single tank of fuel.
Source and images: X @mightyflydrone
