FutureFlight
Rotor Technologies Launches Production of R550X Autonomous Helicopter
Rotor Technologies has unveiled the R550X autonomous helicopter that it intends to bring to market in 2024.
Rotor Technologies' R550X autonomous helicopter
Rotor Technologies' R550X is a fully autonomous and uncrewed version of the Robinson R44 Raven II. (Photo: Rotor Technologies)

Rotor Technologies has unveiled the R550X autonomous helicopter that it intends to bring to market in 2024. Built on the foundation of the Robinson R44 Raven II, the R550X is the world’s largest uncrewed civilian helicopter, designed for safety-critical cargo, utility, and maritime operations that require a greater payload capacity and range than drones or eVTOLs can provide. 

The heavy-lift utility helicopter can support payloads up to 1,200 pounds (550 kilograms), or more than twice the effective payload of the Robinson R44. It has a flight range of about 350 nm (650 kilometers) and a cruise speed of 109 knots (202 kph).