Flying trucks to replace helicopters?: WingedBull XS and WingedBull XL unmanned trucks to be tested in 2026

The "Flying Trucks" company has announced the development of two new unmanned aerial vehicles with vertical take-off and landing from the "Winged Bull" family - WingedBull XS and WingedBull XL. Flight tests are scheduled for 2026, and the design is in its final stages. Preparations for the assembly of prototypes will begin in the spring of 2025.

The new drones are created according to an original scheme. The fuselage is made using the technology of forming load-bearing surfaces based on hexagonal panels, which simplifies and reduces the cost of the glider manufacturing process. There are no external screws in the design. This protects them from environmental influences.

The devices will be able to fly up to 700 km with a speed of up to 400 km/h. Their operation will not require a specially prepared airfield. Both models are designed to operate in the temperature range from -55°C to plus +45°C. The carrying capacity of the WingedBull XL is 250 kg, and the WingedBull XL is 750 kg.

The XS model will be equipped with an internal combustion engine running on AI-95 gasoline with an original power module. WingedBull XL will receive a TV3-117 gas turbine aircraft engine in combination with 6 electric traction modules. This will reduce fuel consumption and thrust.

For the first time, drones are planned to be launched in the Khanty-Mansi Autonomous Okrug, where an experimental legal regime for cargo UAVs is in effect. It is expected that the new aircraft will replace or supplement the fleet of Mi-8 helicopters, while the cost of drones will be four to five times lower.

Earlier www1.ru reported that the production of heavy cargo UAVs will be created in the Far East.

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