FLY-R, the French aerospace company known for its rhomboid-wing drone technology, has been awarded a development contract by the French Defence Procurement Agency (DGA) for its R2-600 UAV, the most advanced model in the company’s portfolio. The award marks a major milestone in the operational deployment of rhomboid-wing UAVs, a highly efficient yet complex aerial design never before fielded at this scale.
The R2-600 will be a hybrid-powered Medium Altitude Long Endurance (MALE) drone, capable of flying at 45,000 feet for over 20 hours, with a maximum takeoff weight of 1,700 kg. Its unique rhomboid wing configuration—a diamond-shaped wing with no vertical stabilizers—provides superior speed, endurance, and payload performance over conventional wing structures of the same span.
According to FLY-R, the R2-600 is especially suited for long-range surveillance, reconnaissance, and offensive military operations, and can be deployed from mobile or remote platforms at relatively low cost, enabling scalable and rapid field use.
From Experimental Wing to Operational Drone
While rhomboid-wing aircraft have long been considered a promising concept, their complexity has historically prevented real-world deployment. Recent advancements in aerodynamics, simulation tools, composite materials, and propulsion systems have allowed FLY-R to overcome those barriers.
FLY-R’s success in securing the DGA contract is attributed in part to its close collaboration with ONERA (France’s national aerospace lab) and the Duqueine Group, a specialist in high-performance composite materials for aviation.
Under the terms of the contract, FLY-R must demonstrate flight capabilities of the R2-600 before the end of 2026.
“This contract is a pivotal moment. The R2-600 could significantly enhance the French air arsenal with a cost-effective, high-performance UAV,” said Laurent Collet-Billon, CEO of FLY-R.
“We’re proud to contribute to this innovation,” said Gilles Duqueine, President of the Duqueine Group. “It’s a breakthrough for MALE missions.”
ONERA’s Franck Lefèvre echoed that sentiment, noting the configuration’s “excellent aerodynamic performance” and ability to execute unique aerial maneuvers.
Ramping Up for International Interest
FLY-R is also in talks with defence contractors in the European Union and the Middle East as part of its international expansion. The company’s broader product range includes UAVs with wingspans from 1.2 meters to 6 meters, designed for both civilian and military applications.
Led by Chairman Éric Thieulin, the FLY-R executive team includes Collet-Billon (CEO), Rémi Albert (Deputy CEO), and François Varigas (CTO).
For more details, visit flyr-uas.com.
