More Payload and Lower Costs Could Unlock the Potential of the Autonomous Rhaegal Freighter

Sabrewing plans to use Safran's Ardiden 3 turboshaft engine as part of a hybrid-electric powertrain that could deliver 1,000 nautical mile range with loads of up to 5,400 pounds.

Sabrewing sees its Rhaegal B uncrewed hybrid-electric air freighter being more competitive to operate than existing fixed-wing aircraft. — Sabrewing sees its Rhaegal B uncrewed hybrid-electric air freighter as being more competitive to operate than existing fixed-wing aircraft. (Image: Sabrewing)

By Charles Alcock • Managing Editor

October 15, 2022

Uncrewed air vehicles promising a trifecta of four-digit payload and range plus markedly lower operating costs compared with fixed-wing aircraft carry the potential to significantly reshape the air freight business. Sabrewing is in pursuit of this Holy Grail with its hybrid-electric Rhaegal design and now the California-based company is looking to further boost performance with a switch to a more powerful Ardiden turboshaft engine provided by helicopter engine manufacturer Safran.

The Sabrewing team is now building the first full-scale prototype of the Rhaegal B aircraft, which is expected to carry a 5,400-pound payload when operated in VTOL mode, rising to 10,000 pounds for a conventional takeoff from a 300-foot runway. According to chairman and CEO Ed De Reyes, this could deliver CTOL operating costs of just 28 cents per ton/mile, or 54 cents for VTOL operations.

The rest of this article continues for AIN Members with the full report, analysis and background. The rest of this article continues for AIN Members with the full report, analysis and background. The rest of this article continues for AIN Members with the full report, analysis and background. The rest of this article continues for AIN Members with the full report, analysis and background. The rest of this article continues for AIN Members with the full report, analysis and background.

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