New fixed-wing VTOL platform expands Delair’s reach in civilian and defense applications
Delair Introduces the DT61 for Extended-Range Operations
Toulouse-based drone manufacturer Delair has announced the launch of its newest drone, the DT61, expanding its portfolio with a heavy-lift, long-range aircraft designed for both civilian and defense missions. The announcement was made ahead of the Paris Air Show, where the DT61 will be on display.
The DT61 is a fixed-wing drone with vertical takeoff and landing (VTOL) capabilities. It is designed for operations that require long flight durations and heavy payloads. “With the arrival of the DT61, Delair is positioning itself across the entire drone segment, from 1 to 100 kg,” the company stated.
High-Endurance Performance in a Compact Package
The DT61 offers over seven hours of flight time and can communicate across distances exceeding 100 kilometers. Despite its advanced features, the drone has a compact footprint. It is transportable in a standard pickup truck and can be launched by a two-person crew in under 30 minutes.
Weighing in at 100 kg, the drone supports payloads of up to 15 kg. It is designed to carry high-performance optronics systems, such as cooled mid-wave infrared (MWIR) sensors, as well as ground moving target indication (GMTI) synthetic aperture radar (SAR) and signals intelligence sensors. The DT61 can also carry multiple payloads simultaneously.
According to Delair, the drone “benefits from DELAIR’s 15 years of experience in drone system design and incorporates operational feedback from our customers around the world.” The platform also draws on existing components from Delair’s previous systems.
Developed with Leading French Aerospace Partners
The DT61 was developed with the support of two French companies. Aviation Design contributed aerodynamic and mechanical design, while Shield Robotics, a subsidiary of Evotech Group, handled flight testing and systems integration.
This collaboration supports Delair’s strategy of leveraging local expertise to deliver high-quality aerospace products. The company plans to begin mission deployments for the DT61 in the second half of 2025, with sales expected by the end of the year.
Delair’s Rapid Growth and Expanding Product Line
Delair’s drone ecosystem now includes four fixed-wing drones, three multirotor platforms, and three loitering munitions. All are managed using Delair’s DRAKO universal ground control station.
Delair has seen significant business growth, with revenue doubling year-over-year for the past three years. “With a turnover doubling every year for the past 3 years (€30 million achieved in 2024 and €60 million forecast for 2025), and a workforce that has just exceeded the threshold of 200 employees located on 4 sites in France (Toulouse, Marseille, Grenoble and Paris), Delair confirms its positioning as a major player in the European robotics/drone market both civil and military uses,” the company said.
Delair will showcase the DT61 at the Paris Air Show, Hall 4, Stand A110.
Read more:
Miriam McNabb is the Editor-in-Chief of DRONELIFE and CEO of JobForDrones, a professional drone services marketplace, and a fascinated observer of the emerging drone industry and the regulatory environment for drones. Miriam has penned over 3,000 articles focused on the commercial drone space and is an international speaker and recognized figure in the industry. Miriam has a degree from the University of Chicago and over 20 years of experience in high tech sales and marketing for new technologies.
For drone industry consulting or writing, Email Miriam.
TWITTER:@spaldingbarker
Subscribe to DroneLife here.