SAMAD Aerospace has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Aerosud Aviation.

Under the agreement, Aerosud will assist SAMAD in the development and manufacturing of its fully electric VTOL Starling Cargo aircraft.

SAMAD said the electric, vertical take-off and landing aircraft will be remotely piloted, with auto pilot capability, a cruising speed of 83 knots, flight ceiling of 10,000 feet and a range of up to 117nm – with the ability to carry up to 60 kg of cargo payload.

SAMAD Aerospace’s CEO Dr. Seyed Mohseni said: “We look forward to working with Aerosud Aviation to bring our eVTOL Starling Cargo aircraft to market for delivery during the next couple of years.

“The Starling Cargo aircraft will make air cargo faster, greener and more sustainable.”

SAMAD said it has received interest for the aircraft from industry sectors that transit high value cargo, including oil and gas corporations, gemstone mining companies, medical logistics, and emergency response companies.

Aerosud Aviation’s director of programmes Rob Jonkers added: “We look forward to working with SAMAD Aerospace to bring to market this unique Starline Cargo eVTOL, which has particular advantages in South African and African context given sparse infrastructure to move cargo at medium to long distance at speed.

“The flexibility of Starling Cargo operations will bring a new dimension to delivery turnaround times country and continent wide.”