Ameriflight (AMF, Burbank) has signed a letter of intent to purchase thirty-five Rhaegal-A electric cargo uncrewed aerial vehicles (UAVs) from California-based Sabrewing Aircraft Company.
"With a payload capability of over 2,000 pounds (900 kilogrammes), the Rhaegal-A is perfectly suited for the medium-lift category operation. Sabrewing's record-setting technology guiding Rhaegal-A as the world's first autonomous cargo aircraft capable of both vertical and conventional take-off is an incredible milestone, and we are excited to partner with them on this new fleet," Chief Commercial Officer Alan Rusinowitz said.
Ameriflight emphasised that the UAVs will complement its existing operations and will not replace any of its current aircraft or staff. The cargo carrier expects to induct the first unit as soon as the type is certified by the US Federal Aviation Administration. The manufacturer currently plans to begin deliveries in the first quarter of 2024. The Rhaegal-A completed its first hover flight in September 2022.
Sabrewign previously signed an LOI for ten aircraft with the Aleut Community of St. Paul Island to provide cargo uplift to Saint Paul Island, AK. The manufacturer also announced an order for 102 larger Rhaegal-B UAVs with the Arabian Development & Marketing Co.
In January 2023, Ameriflight ordered twenty Nautilus Kona UAVs, a larger aircraft with a planned payload of up to 3.8 tonnes and deliveries tentatively scheduled to commence in 2025. The Californian cargo carrier's current fleet comprises three Saab 340B(F)s (with plans to increase this fleet to fifteen units), fourteen E120 freighters, as well as Beech 1900C and Metroliner(F) aircraft. It is the largest cargo Part 135 operator in the United States.
