Toulouse-based drone manufacturer Delair has introduced its latest model, the DT61. The new drone is designed for heavy-lift and long-range missions and can be used for both civilian and military purposes. The launch comes just before the Paris Air Show, where the DT61 will be on display.
The DT61 is a fixed-wing drone that can take off and land vertically (VTOL). It is built for tasks that need long flight times and the ability to carry heavy loads. “With the arrival of the DT61, Delair is positioning itself across the entire drone segment, from 1 to 100 kg,” the company said in a statement.
Long Flight Time and Heavy Payload Capacity
The DT61 can fly for over seven hours and maintain communication over distances of more than 100 kilometers. It is compact enough to be transported in a standard pickup truck. A two-person team can set it up and launch it in under 30 minutes.
Weighing 100 kilograms, the DT61 can carry up to 15 kilograms of payload. It is equipped to handle advanced sensors, including mid-wave infrared (MWIR) cameras, synthetic aperture radar (SAR), and signals intelligence tools. The drone can also carry several types of equipment at the same time.
Delair says the DT61 reflects 15 years of drone design experience and incorporates feedback from customers around the world. Many parts of the DT61 are based on Delair’s earlier drone systems.
Partnership with French Aerospace Firms
Delair worked with two French companies to develop the DT61. Aviation Design helped with the drone’s aerodynamic and mechanical design. Shield Robotics, part of the Evotech Group, managed flight testing and system integration.
This partnership fits Delair’s strategy of using local expertise to create high-quality products. The company plans to start mission deployments for the DT61 in the second half of 2025. Sales are expected by the end of the year.
Delair’s Growth and Expanding Drone Lineup
Delair now offers four fixed-wing drones, three multirotor drones, and three loitering munitions. All of these are operated using Delair’s DRAKO ground control system.
The company has grown rapidly, doubling its revenue each year for the past three years. Delair made €30 million in 2024 and expects to earn €60 million in 2025. The company now employs over 200 people across four locations in France: Toulouse, Marseille, Grenoble, and Paris.
Delair will present the DT61 at the Paris Air Show, in Hall 4, Stand A110.
