“FLY-R Strikes Innovative Deal for Cutting-Edge Rhomboid-Wing Drone Technology”
FLY-R, the French enterprise dedicated to the conceptualization and manufacturing of rhomboid-wing UAVs, has secured a contract as part of a bid launched by DGA to develop the largest model in the FLY-R lineup, the R2-600.
Thanks to its distinctive aerodynamics, the rhomboid wing—resembling a lozenge devoid of any vertical surfaces—enables speed ranges and maneuverability substantially superior to those of alternative wing configurations. For an equivalent wingspan, a rhomboid-wing aircraft can bolster performance in velocity, endurance, and payload capability. However, in the past, no systems incorporating rhomboid wings had been successfully designed for operational deployment due to their intricacy. Recent innovations in aerodynamics, computational simulation, cutting-edge materials, and propulsion technologies have empowered FLY-R’s groundbreaking methodology to flourish.
FLY-R is developing an extensive range of UAVs with wingspans of 1.20 m, 1.50 m, 2.40 m, and 6.00 m. The R2-600, which is the centerpiece of DGA’s bid, is a hybrid-powered medium-altitude long-endurance (MALE) UAV boasting a maximum take-off weight (MTOW) of 1,700 kg, capable of ascending to altitudes of up to 45,000 feet (approximately 15,000 meters) for missions exceeding 20 hours.
The R2-600 is exceptionally tailored for military operations: surveying vast areas, undertaking tasks in hostile environments, and executing offensive actions thanks to its armament capabilities, with the provision for remote launching from deployable infrastructure, all while ensuring costs remain manageable for large-scale deployment.
In accordance with the conditions of this bid, FLY-R is required to validate the R2-600’s operational efficiency in flight by the end of 2026. The choice of FLY-R for this contract highlights the company’s accomplishments in the design and enhancement of these groundbreaking aircraft, attributable to top-notch research and development (R&D) along with exemplary collaboration with ONERA (French National Aeronautical Laboratory) and the Duqueine group, recognized for creating and supplying high-performance composite materials, particularly within the aerospace domain.
As part of its international expansion initiative, FLY-R is entering negotiations with defense manufacturers across the European Union and Middle Eastern countries.
«The current global geostrategic landscape reveals that drones have evolved into essential factors in military operations. FLY-R has invested numerous years into the development of rhomboid-wing UAVs, which are complex to fabricate. The expertise of our team has facilitated a substantial technological leap by crafting a comprehensive array of these unmanned systems, including the R2-600 which, contingent on meeting the bid requirements, will augment France’s aerial capabilities with an efficient and cost-effective solution.»
Laurent COLLET-BILLON, CEO of FLY-R
« Being selected for this bid is a privilege for our teams and epitomizes the culmination of years of research, development, and evaluation. We extend our gratitude to DGA for their confidence, alongside our appreciation to ONERA and the Duqueine Group for their outstanding collaboration.»
Rémi ALBERT, Deputy CEO of FLY-R
« The Duqueine Group is excited to support the production of the first large-scale rhomboid UAV developed by FLY-R, marking a significant leap in aerospace technology and MALE missions specifically. »
Gilles DUQUEINE, President of the Duqueine Group
« FLY-R demonstrates confirmed expertise in rhomboid wing systems and shows a high degree of skill in intricate aeronautical systems. Rhomboid wing systems have exhibited remarkable aerodynamic and structural capabilities, with exceptional flight qualities and the ability to perform unique maneuvers. The utilization of the rhomboid configuration in a MALE context seems to be highly relevant. »
Franck LEFÈVRE, General Technical Director of ONERA
FLY-R is led by Éric Thieulin, with its executive team consisting of Laurent Collet-Billon, CEO Strategy & Development; Rémi Albert, Deputy CEO Operations & Business; and François Varigas, CTO.
