Czech eVTOL developer Zuri unveiled a new hybrid-electric uncrewed tiltrotor designed for cargo transportation on August 27, 2026. Built with dual-use applications in mind for both civilian and military operators, the aircraft is capable of carrying a payload exceeding 165 kilograms and reaching cruise speeds of up to 220 km/h.
The uncrewed aircraft is designed to be operated remotely by a ground control station, featuring automated flight management systems. Rather than relying solely on battery power, the tiltrotor incorporates an electric motor capable of generating electricity during flight, combined with a thermal engine capable of running on aviation gasoline (AvGas), automotive gasoline, or bioethanol to enhance power architecture resilience.
Based in Prague, Zuri was founded in 2018 by entrepreneur Michal Illich to develop electric vertical takeoff and landing technology. The startup has designed and test-flown approximately 15 different prototypes to date. Its Technology Demonstrator 1.0 previously achieved controlled hovering flight in 2021, and the company is currently advancing its full-scale Technology Demonstrator 2.0 prototype, which has already undergone initial ground testing in the Czech Republic.
To transition the Technology Demonstrator 2.0 prototype to the flight test stage, Zuri is currently raising €6 million in fresh capital through a Series A funding round. The Czech developer confirmed it has already secured €1.1 million in funding commitments, adding to the €6.5 million previously raised from private investors.
Zuri anticipates that the tiltrotor will serve both commercial and defense sectors, conducting logistics resupply operations for offshore platforms and remote military outposts, according to reporting by AeroTime.
