FutureFlight
VoltAero Recruits Aerostructures Group Sonaca for Cassio Production
The airframe for the Cassio hybrid-electric aircraft will be more aerodynamic than the current Cassio 1 testbed.
Sonaca
Sonaca is a Belgium-based specialist in designing and manufacturing aerostructures supporting many of the world's leading aircraft programs. (Photo: Sonaca)

Aerostructures group Sonaca will develop the airframe for VoltAero’s planned Cassio family of hybrid-electric aircraft. In an October 29 announcement, France-based VoltAero said its new Belgian partner will support the transition from the current Cassio 1 technology demonstrator to full production versions of the four- to 10-seat fixed-wing aircraft.

According to VoltAero, first deliveries are expected to begin in 2023, starting with the four-seat Cassio 330. The company also intends to offer a six-seat Cassio 480 and 10-seat Cassio 600, with range of up to 750 miles and cruise speeds of around 230 mph.