Dufour Aerospace and Swiss Air Rescue Rega have announced a development cooperation agreement for the air ambulance version of the Aero3.

The eVTOL features a tilt wing design that Dufour says has the space, load and range to be used for emergency medical services and patient transport. During the development Rega will provide Dufour with information on medical and aviation equipment and will advise on operational standards and certification. The piloted hybrid aircraft is an extension of the Aero2, a smaller unmanned aircraft.

"Continuous development is in Rega's DNA. The Aero3 is an exceptionally interesting aircraft, and we want to support its development with our experience from 70 years of HEMS operation,” says Rega CEO Ernst Kohler.

Thomas Pfammatter, CEO of Dufour Aerospace adds: "The collaboration with Rega will challenge Dufour Aerospace and advance our product development. Through this partnership, we will better understand and meet the needs of our customers. The Aero3 will meet the requirements for demanding patient transport, combining vertical take-off with sufficient load, high speed and range. Aero3 will be more efficient, less expensive and quieter than today's helicopters and will integrate seamlessly with existing infrastructure and systems.”