At the ILA Berlin airshow on June 10, 2026, German aerospace manufacturer Deutsche Aircraft unveiled a new integrated uncrewed aircraft system (UAS) capability designed to operate in tandem with its D328MR multi-role turboprop (Deutsche Aircraft, 2026). The crewed-uncrewed teaming concept is targeted at civil and governmental operators conducting maritime and border surveillance, intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) missions, disaster response, and search and rescue (SAR) operations.
The uncrewed platform is being deployed in collaboration with Sierra Nevada Corporation (SNC) (Aerospace Global News, 2026). In 2022, SNC acquired the vertical takeoff and landing (VTOL) drone assets of Volansi, including the tactical Voly-T platform designed for military and reconnaissance missions (Defense News, 2022).
In this teaming concept, the crewed D328MR acts as the primary mission platform, while the UAS serves as a complementary asset to extend operational reach and persistence in high-risk environments. According to published specifications, the tactical VTOL drone features a maximum takeoff weight of 110 kilograms (243 lbs) and a payload capacity of 26 kilograms (57 lbs) (Aerospace Global News, 2026). The aircraft can operate for up to 16 hours at altitudes reaching 18,000 feet, with a cruise speed between 52 and 85 knots.
The UAS is designed to meet stringent defense and government procurement standards. It is free of International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) restrictions, compliant with NATO AEP-83 airworthiness requirements for light unmanned aircraft systems, and designed for NATO AEP-84 Level 4 interoperability (Aerospace Global News, 2026). The platform’s modular payload options include electro-optical and infrared (EO/IR) cameras, maritime tracking (AIS), synthetic aperture radar (SAR), signals intelligence (COMINT/ELINT), and communications relay systems.
In a concurrent industrial development, Deutsche Aircraft is advancing the in-house design and production of landing gear for both the forthcoming D328eco and legacy D328 turboprops. This strategic shift follows supply chain constraints and delays from existing suppliers (Aviation Week, 2026).
The D328eco program continues to progress toward commercialization. The first test aircraft, TAC 1, was rolled out in May 2025, and flight testing is scheduled to commence in 2026, with an anticipated entry-into-service target of Q4 2027 (Aerospace Global News, 2026).
References
Aerospace Global News. (2026, June 10). Deutsche Aircraft turns D328eco into drone-teaming special mission aircraft. Aerospace Global News. Deutsche Aircraft gives the D328eco a drone for special missions
Aviation Week. (2026, June 10). Deutsche Aircraft To Offer Own Landing Gear As Supply Chain Bites. Aviation Week. https://aviationweek.com/aerospace/manufacturing-supply-chain/deutsche-aircraft-offer-own-landing-gear-supply-chain-bites
Defense News. (2022, October 10). Sierra Nevada buys drone maker Volansi after VC funding dries up. Defense News. Sierra Nevada buys drone maker Volansi after VC funding dries up
Deutsche Aircraft. (2026, June 10). Deutsche Aircraft Presents Integrated Uncrewed Capability to Support Multi-Role Missions. Deutsche Aircraft News. Deutsche Aircraft Presents Integrated Uncrewed Capability to Support Multi-Role Missions
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