UAE's LODD Autonomous Launches Certification Program for Hili Hybrid Cargo Drone
UAE drone developer LODD Autonomous has formally initiated a type certification program with the UAE General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) for its Hili hybrid-electric VTOL cargo aircraft. Designed and developed in Abu Dhabi, the Hili can carry up to 250 kg of payload over a range of 700 km — making it one of the longest-range cargo drone programs currently under development in the Middle East. Upon certification, the aircraft is expected to serve logistics, medical supply chain, and humanitarian relief missions.
Highlights
- LODD Autonomous has formally submitted a type certification application to the UAE GCAA for its Hili hybrid-electric VTOL cargo drone.
- The Hili supports a maximum payload of 250 kg and a range of 700 km, positioning it as one of the longest-range cargo drone programs in the Middle East.
- The certification program covers design approval, airworthiness compliance, ground and flight testing, and safety evaluations under GCAA oversight.
- The program is backed by Abu Dhabi's Integrated Transport Centre (ITC) and the SAVI cluster under the Abu Dhabi Investment Office (ADIO).
- Post-certification use cases include middle-mile logistics, medical supply chains, offshore operations, humanitarian relief, and regional cargo transport.
UAE's LODD Autonomous Launches Certification Program for Hili Hybrid Cargo Drone
UAE-based drone developer LODD Autonomous has formally submitted a type certification application to the UAE General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) for its Hili hybrid-electric cargo aircraft, marking the program's official transition from research, development, and flight testing into the certification phase.
About the Hili
According to the company's press release, the Hili is a hybrid-electric vertical take-off and landing (VTOL) aircraft designed and developed by LODD in Abu Dhabi. It is capable of carrying a maximum payload of 250 kg over a range of 700 km, positioning it as one of the longest-range cargo drone programs currently under development in the Middle East.
"The launch of the certification program marks Hili's formal transition from the aircraft development and flight testing phase into the certification stage — a critical step toward commercial operations conducted in full compliance with the highest airworthiness and safety standards," the company stated.
Certification Program Scope
The certification program encompasses the following work streams:
- Aircraft design approval activities
- Airworthiness compliance verification
- Ground and flight testing
- Operational assessments
- Safety evaluations
All activities will be conducted under the oversight of the Committee for Smart and Autonomous Systems, with the GCAA serving as the certifying authority and a collaborative participant throughout the process.
Stakeholder Support
The program has secured the backing of several key stakeholders within Abu Dhabi's aviation ecosystem, including:
- Integrated Transport Centre (ITC) – Abu Dhabi Mobility
- The Smart and Autonomous Vehicle Industries (SAVI) cluster, operating under the Abu Dhabi Investment Office (ADIO)
This collaborative approach underscores Abu Dhabi's commitment to advancing the development, certification, and commercial deployment of next-generation aviation technologies.
Commercial Applications
Following certification, the Hili is expected to support a broad range of commercial use cases, including:
- Middle-mile logistics
- Medical supply chain transport
- Offshore operations support
- Humanitarian relief response
- Regional cargo transport
LODD Autonomous's Hili program represents a significant milestone for the UAE drone industry and reflects the broader ambitions of the Middle East region in rapidly positioning itself as a leader in autonomous aviation technology.
For more information, visit: www.lodd.com
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