Leading the Future of
Heavy-Lift UAVs
Welcome to Meridian Flight Systems, where we are revolutionising unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) through innovative design and hybrid-electric technology.
Our flagship UAV, the Corra (Heron in Scottish-Gaelic), exceeds the logistical and operational challenges of modern defence and government sectors, delivering unmatched range, payload capacity, and versatility.
A Legacy of Aerospace Innovation
Meridian Flight Systems combines over a century of aerospace expertise to deliver state-of-the-art UAV solutions.
Founded in 2023, our mission is to bring advanced hybrid power systems to the UAV market, setting new standards in performance and efficiency.
Meet the Corra
Power, Precision, and Performance
The Corra UAV sets new standards in heavy-lift UAVs, combining twin tiltrotor versatility with fixed-wing flight efficiency.
With a 350 kg payload capacity and a range beyond 2,500 km, the Corra is the optimal choice for demanding, long-range operations.
Revolutionary Hybrid Power
The Corra UAV is powered by a groundbreaking Hybrid Electric Range-Extending Microturbine Energy System (HERMES), offering a lightweight and fuel-efficient alternative to fully electric or fossil fuel-only UAVs.
By combining micro gas turbines with high-efficiency batteries, the Corra achieves superior range, endurance, and reliability.
We are committed to offering all-weather, heavy-lift, and long-range UAVs that are ready to tackle the most demanding operations in commercial, defence, and government sectors.
From logistics to surveillance, the Corra UAV is engineered to lead the next generation of unmanned aircraft.
Corra: The Superior Choice
for Heavy-Lift UAV
Operations
When choosing an aircraft for critical logistics, defence, or government missions, you need a platform that delivers on performance, efficiency, and reliability.
The Corra UAV was engineered with these priorities in mind, offering several advantages over current large UAVs in the market.
Key Features
Vertical Takeoff and Landing
Enjoy the versatility of VTOL paired with the efficiency of fixed-wing flight, offering a wider range of operational environments and superior fuel efficiency.
Hybrid Power System
The Corra’s unique hybrid microturbine technology (HERMES), provides over 10x the autonomy of battery-powered UAVs, ensuring longer missions with greater payloads.
All-Weather Operations
Built for all-weather conditions, the Corra operates reliably in environments where other UAVs are grounded because it will incorporate an ice and rain protection system and will be cleared to operate in up to a maximum of moderate icing conditions.
Controlled Airspace Capable
The Corra is designed to meet stringent airworthiness regulations, allowing it to operate in controlled airspace with Beyond Visual Line of Sight (BVLOS) capabilities.
Why Hybrid Power?
Energy Density Advantage
Unlike electric-only UAVs that are limited by the energy density of batteries, Corra uses Jet-A1, Diesel or Sustainable Aviation Fuels (SAF) with energy densities on the order of 45 to 48 MJ/kg, far surpassing what electric only UAVs can achieve.
Environmental Versatility
While Corra is currently designed to operate on readily available fuels like Diesel, Jet-A1, and Biofuels, it can also transition to hydrogen in the future for even greater environmental benefits.
Smarter Operations
The hybrid system optimises energy consumption, using batteries for peak power and load smoothing while microturbines handle endurance. This creates a lighter and simpler solution, ideal for extended missions.
Why Corra Outperforms Large UAVs
Corra UAV stands out in a crowded market of large UAVs.
Here’s how we compare:
Energy Efficiency
The Corra’s hybrid power system far outperforms electric-only or fossil-fuel-based UAVs, offering more than 10x endurance with its efficient fuel-battery combination. Competing aircraft are constrained by their reliance on either batteries or conventional engines.
Payload Flexibility
While many UAVs struggle to balance payload capacity and range, the Corra’s design optimises both, ensuring high cargo capacity without sacrificing range.
Regulatory Readiness
As regulatory frameworks evolve, the Corra is built for airworthiness certification and controlled airspace operations, giving it an edge over large UAVs that may not meet these standards.
Unmatched Range & Payload
With a range beyond 2,500 km and the ability to carry up to 350kg, Corra delivers significantly greater mission flexibility.
Its hybrid power system allows it to fly farther and carry more while maintaining operational efficiency.
Competing platforms, while effective, often sacrifice payload for range or are restricted by limited energy reserves.
All-Weather Resilience
Unlike other UAVs that are hampered by weather conditions, the Corra is designed for all-weather operations.
This makes it the ideal choice for high-stakes missions where downtime is not an option.
Compliance with Airworthiness Standards
The Corra is built to operate in controlled airspace and is fully compliant with Beyond Visual Line of Sight (BVLOS) regulations, giving it an edge over competitors that may struggle with regulatory hurdles.
Versatility in Operation
The Corra’s unique twin electric tiltrotor design combines the advances of modern electric motors with the propulsive efficiency derived from rotors with large swept areas. This allows for Vertical Takeoff and Landing (VTOL) and hovering, enabling it to operate in confined spaces without the need for a paved runway or an airstrip of any kind.
Simply put, Corra can takeoff and land from any site that is large enough to accept its footprint. Combined with fixed-wing cruise efficiency, Corra can transition seamlessly between its vertical (helicopter) mode and fixed-wing (aeroplane) mode, offering more operational flexibility than other large UAVs that lack VTOL capabilities.
Industries We Serve
The Corra UAV is engineered to serve a wide range of industries, each benefiting from its hybrid power, operational flexibility, and superior performance.
Logistics
From long-range cargo transportation to delivering goods in hard-to-reach areas, the Corra excels in supporting logistics operations that require heavy-lift and all-weather reliability.
Defence
For military applications, Corra offers a reliable solution for intelligence gathering, reconnaissance, and combat support. Its ability to be highly manoeuvrable while carrying 350 kg of payload and operating in hostile airspace ensures mission success.
Government & Law Enforcement
Supporting disaster response, search & rescue, and law enforcement, the Corra’s long-range and autonomous operations make it the go-to platform for critical government missions.
Our Partners
Meridian collaborates with industry leaders like AeroTex UK, Altair Engineering, Barclays Eagle Labs, MathWorks and Zenotech, enhancing our capabilities in simulation, computational modelling, atmospheric analysis, and power system engineering.
Join us as we push the limits of UAV technology through strategic partnerships.
Partner With Us For The Future of UAVs
Interested in learning more about Corra´s UAV or how Meridian Flight Systems can support your mission?
Contact us to explore partnership opportunities and how Corra can meet your specific needs.
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