Villmergen/Zurich, June 29, 2023: Connova Group is excited to confirm its selection as the main supplier for Dufour Aerospace’s Aero2 composite airframe. The key sub-assemblies of the airframe – the main wing, fuselage, and engine bay – will be manufactured at Connova Group’s production site in Villmergen (Aargau), Switzerland.
The all-composite lightweight airframe is a crucial element to the outstanding performance of Aero2. Thus, Connova Group’s role in this project is central, cementing a major partnership with the Aero2 program. This collaboration is set to endure for many years, extending beyond the initial four vehicles already under contract.
Discussions about boosting the contract value in 2024, with a higher delivery volume than initially planned, are already underway, underlining the importance of this venture for Connova Group’s future growth and success.
Connova Group’s long-lasting experience in designing and producing demanding aerospace-grade composite structural components for customers like Swiss-based aircraft manufacturer Pilatus makes Connova Group so valuable for the program. Swiss-based production will finally yield Swiss-made high-quality and precision.
Taylan Toprak, Head of Sales & Project Management at Connova Group, points out that the entire team is very proud to have been selected as one of the main suppliers for this exciting project. “I can tell you that we get many inquiries for composite airframes for similar new UAV or drone-type projects. None of these new concepts or market players equal the professionalism and dedication of Dufour Aerospace in the development and marketing of Aero2. We strongly believe in the success of this aircraft and are willing to increase our production capacities with the growing demand by Dufour Aerospace in the upcoming years.”
“Connova Group has a wealth of experience and knowledge as an established composite manufacturer to the aerospace and automotive industry. In making the wings for Dufour’s current Aero2 experimental flight test aircraft to a new patent pending design and manufacturing method, Connova Group has demonstrated the diligence and professionalism required to assure the high standards of quality necessary to deliver light weight aircraft structures. Working together, I am confident that we can achieve the build standards expected of our regulators and customers and look forward to a successful future together” says Simon Bendrey, Head of Design at Dufour Aerospace, about this new partnership.
About Connova Group – New Ways in Composites
Connova Group is a leading provider of customer-specific composite components and custom-tailored services – from the first idea to a finished product in serial production. The composite light-weight weight experts of Connova Group help clients finding the optimum solution for their light-weight projects. Often in close collaboration with leading technical universities and partners and based on decades of heritage in aviation, space, racing, medical and special solutions for the industry sector Connova Group always guarantees a comprehensive solution providing the best price-to-performance ratio and delivery on time. Committed and highly qualified employees, as well as state-of-the-art infrastructure and solid manufacturing processes are the key to the company’s success. This is not only true the composite manufacturing shop equipped with autoclaves, hot presses, and ovens, but also for the in-house CNC machining shop. A classical one-stop solution provider – fast, flexible and to the highest quality standards. Just Swiss made.
www.connova.com
About Dufour Aerospace
Dufour Aerospace develops efficient and ecological aircraft for patient and passenger transport, logistics and public safety. Dufour Aerospace’s designs currently under development rely on the tilt-wing principle. They take-off and land vertically in the smallest space like a helicopter but fly as fast and economically as an airplane. While the propellers are electric-driven, hybrid elements (conventional combustion engines or fuel cells) ensure a sufficiently long range. The first product Dufour Aerospace will launch is the Aero2, an uncrewed aerial vehicle specifically designed for the transportation of critical cargo such as medical supplies of up to 40 kilograms/88 pounds in medium to long range distances. The manned Aero3, featuring a spacious cabin with eight seats and large doors, is the next aircraft in development by Dufour Aerospace.
www.dufour.aero
