Leading US Part 135 cargo airline Ameriflight is moving to diversify the business it operates for clients like UPS by supplementing its fleet of traditional aircraft with next-generation heavy-lift drones ­– most recently the brawny UAVs from Oxnard-based startup Sabrewing.

Ameriflight announced it has signed a letter of intent to buy 35 of Sabrewing’s Rhaegal-A heavy-lift cargo drones, which are also being developed under the name “Alpha.” The all-weather UAV has 16 cubic meters of internal payload space. The aerial hulk is capable of carrying over 2,000 lb, and attain maximum speeds of 445 km/h, and average cruise speeds of 333 km/h. It can be operated in vertical takeoff and landing (VTOL) mode or with forward thrust on a runway.

Last September the beast set what Sabrewing said was a new world record by hovering with a payload of 347 kg (829 lb.). Not satisfied with that hauling capacity, the company is also developing a Rhaegal-B “Bravo”…

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Source: dronedj.com