Dufour Aerospace is happy to announce that Connova AG has been selected as main supplier for the composite airframe of the uncrewed tilt-wing aircraft Aero2. The major sub-assemblies of the airframe “main wing”, “fuselage” and “engine bay” will be produced by Connova AG at their production site in Villmergen (Aargau), Switzerland.

The all-composite light-weight airframe is a key contributor to the superior performance of Aero2. In that respect, Connova AG becomes a major partner to the Aero2 program. This close partnership is intended to last for many years to come and not only for the first four vehicles which have been contracted for now. The talks about increasing the contract value already in 2024 with more deliveries than originally planned have just began.

Connova’s long-lasting experience in designing and producing demanding aerospace-grade composite structural components for customers like Swiss-based aircraft manufacturer Pilatus makes Connova 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, 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 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 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.