“FLY-R Secures Groundbreaking DGA Contract for Next-Gen Rhomboid-Wing UAV”
FLY-R, the French firm focused on the design and fabrication of rhomboid-wing UAVs, has been awarded a contract as part of a tender initiated by DGA to create the largest variant in the FLY-R series, the R2-600.
Due to its unique aerodynamics, the rhomboid wing—shaped like a lozenge without any vertical surfaces—facilitates speed ranges and agility significantly greater than those of other wing shapes. For a similar wingspan, a rhomboid-wing aircraft can enhance performance in speed, endurance, and payload capacity. However, previously, no systems utilizing rhomboid wings had been successfully developed for operational use due to their complexity. Recent advancements in aerodynamics, computational modeling, new materials, technologies, and propulsion have enabled FLY-R’s pioneering approach to thrive.
FLY-R is crafting a comprehensive line of UAVs with wingspans measuring 1.20 m, 1.50 m, 2.40 m, and 6.00 m. The R2-600, the focus of DGA’s tender, is a hybrid-powered medium-altitude long-endurance (MALE) UAV with a maximum take-off weight (MTOW) of 1,700 kg, capable of reaching altitudes of up to 45,000 feet (approximately 15,000 meters) for missions exceeding 20 hours.
The R2-600 is particularly well-suited for military assignments: monitoring extensive regions, operations in adversarial environments, and offensive missions owing to its armament capacity, with the option for remote launching from a deployable infrastructure, all while keeping costs manageable to ease mass deployment.
In line with the stipulations of this tender, FLY-R must validate the R2-600’s operational performance in flight by the close of 2026. The selection of FLY-R for this tender showcases the company’s achievements in the creation and advancement of these innovative aircraft, owing to top-tier research and development (R&D) and exemplary collaboration with ONERA (French National Aeronautical Laboratory) and the Duqueine group, known for designing and producing high-performance composite materials, particularly for the aerospace sector.
As part of its global growth strategy, FLY-R is engaging discussions with defense manufacturers within the European Union and Middle Eastern nations.
«The current global geostrategic environment indicates that drones have become vital components of military operations. FLY-R has dedicated several years to developing rhomboid-wing UAVs, which are intricate to manufacture. The expertise of our team has facilitated a significant technological advancement by creating a comprehensive range of these unmanned vehicles, including the R2-600 which, provided it meets the tender specifications, will enhance France’s aerial capabilities with a user-friendly and cost-effective solution.»
Laurent COLLET-BILLON, CEO of FLY-R
« Being chosen for this tender is an honor for our teams and represents the culmination of years of research, development, and testing. We express our gratitude to DGA for their trust, along with our appreciation to ONERA and the Duqueine Group for their exceptional partnership.»
Rémi ALBERT, Deputy CEO of FLY-R
« The Duqueine Group is thrilled to assist in the production of the first large-scale rhomboid UAV developed by FLY-R, which signifies a remarkable advancement in aerospace technology and MALE missions in particular. »
Gilles DUQUEINE, President of the Duqueine Group
« FLY-R possesses proven expertise in rhomboid wing systems and exhibits a significant level of proficiency in complex aeronautical systems. Rhomboid wing systems have showcased outstanding aerodynamic and structural performance, with exceptional flying characteristics and the capacity to execute unique maneuvers. The application of the rhomboid configuration in a MALE context appears to be highly pertinent. »
Franck LEFÈVRE, General Technical Director of ONERA
FLY-R is presided over by Éric Thieulin, and its executive team comprises Laurent Collet-Billon, CEO Strategy & Development; Rémi Albert, Deputy CEO Operations & Business; François Varigas, CTO.
