Fleet file

Carbonix-class VTOL fixed-wing UAV

A fixed-wing VTOL UAV gives August Aviation a serious survey and test-range aircraft without runway dependency. Carbonix-class systems fit the Australian mining/survey story and directly support the R&D agenda.

Manufacturer
Carbonix class
Primary role
BVLOS survey
Economics
Indicative AUD only
Why it fits

The fastest R&D-aligned revenue line: mining survey, BVLOS trials and paid test-base use from quiet airspace.

Specifications

Seats / payloadUncrewed; payload sensors around 2 kg class
RangeMission-area dependent; 10 km2 coverage class reported
Cruise speedFixed-wing survey cruise; mission dependent
Runway requiredVTOL; no runway required
EnginesElectric VTOL lift plus fixed-wing cruise propulsion
EnduranceUp to 2 hours for Volanti-class electric systems

Indicative economics

acquisition NewIndicative AUD $80k-$250k+ depending sensors and ground station
hourly Operating CostIndicative AUD $150-$500/hr excluding specialist payload amortisation
notesVendor quotes are required; sensor package often dominates total system cost.

Suitability

BVLOS surveyMining mappingR&D test range

Sources