Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Ltd. (MHI) and Yamaha Motor Co., Ltd. have conducted a flight test for a jointly developed hybrid-type medium-sized unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV), designed to carry a 200-kilogram payload. The UAV is equipped with a compact, lightweight power generating unit developed by Yamaha Motor. The companies aim to use this hybrid power system to extend the vehicle’s cruising range.
MHI is applying its aircraft development and manufacturing experience to the UAV project. In March 2024, MHI and Yamaha Motor entered into an agreement to conduct joint research utilizing Yamaha’s newly developed power generation unit. The project targets a cruising range of 200 kilometers with a maximum payload of 200 kilograms.
MHI is responsible for designing, manufacturing, and testing the hybrid UAV, drawing from its aerospace technologies. Yamaha Motor, meanwhile, is developing the power unit using its expertise in compact, high-power engines from its two- and four-wheeled vehicle businesses, along with the latest electric motor technologies.
The flight test, conducted in mid-April at MHI’s research facility, marked the first successful lift-off of the UAV equipped with Yamaha’s power unit.
The prototype will be showcased at the MHI booth during the Japan Drone 2025 expo, taking place June 4–6 at Makuhari Messe in Chiba.
MHI envisions future UAVs supporting supply deliveries to remote or isolated areas, such as disaster zones, remote islands, or mountainous regions, where ground or sea transport is limited. Applications also include transporting construction materials to difficult-to-access sites such as transmission tower locations.
MHI stated it will continue using UAV technology to help address societal challenges and contribute to a safer, more secure, and efficient world.
