AIR Partners with Elmo Motion Control to Enhance Uncrewed Cargo Aircraft Platform

The partnership is set to further advance next-generation logistics for contested environments

AIR, the leading manufacturer and developer of Smart Aircraft, today announced a strategic partnership with Elmo Motion Control (Elmo), a global leader in motion control technology. Elmo will integrate high-performance motion control solution into AIR’s Heavy Lift UAS – a VTOL-capable uncrewed cargo aircraft capable of 550lb payloads.

The partnership brings together Elmo’s compact, high-power density servo drives and AIR’s next-generation electric aviation design to support the goal of maximizing aircraft efficiency and mission performance. Elmo’s Gold HV motor drive will power AIR’s eight electric propulsion motors, delivering precise, responsive control.

As part of this integration, the high-efficiency drive system will enable air-cooled operation, eliminating the need for complex liquid cooling systems. By removing this component, the platform benefits from reduced weight, lower system complexity, and increased payload capacity.

“Our uncrewed cargo platform is a mission-ready system, and this new partnership enhances our aircraft’s ability to deliver performance and value while meeting operational demands,” said Rani Plaut, CEO, AIR. “Working with Elmo will ensure that the future of autonomous flight and unmanned logistics are as safe as possible, while maintaining capabilities and meeting requirements across defense, commercial, and humanitarian needs.”

The collaboration between AIR and Elmo contributes to one of the industry’s highest payload-to-size ratios for autonomous cargo aircraft. Together, the companies are advancing next-generation electric aviation through lightweight, high-performance propulsion technologies.

“At Elmo, we’re passionate about helping our customers turn bold ideas into reality, and our collaboration with Air is a perfect example of what’s possible when innovation meets engineering excellence,” said Rami Chanan, VP Sales & Marketing at Elmo Motion Control. “Our Gold and Platinum HV servo drives deliver exceptional power density through a master-slave configuration, supplying 210A at 805V to each motor while maintaining a compact, air-cooled design that eliminates the need for heavier liquid-cooling systems. This unique combination of high power, low weight, and compact size has enabled Air to achieve one of the industry’s highest payload-to-size ratios. Seeing our technology help redefine what’s possible in aviation is something we’re incredibly proud of, and we look forward to continuing to push the boundaries of performance together.”

AIR’s unmanned cargo aircraft has a payload capacity of 550 pounds, a 1-hour flight endurance, and is categorized as a Group 4 UAS by the U.S. Department of Defense. Through its dual-use architecture, it is able to service multiple industry needs, including flexible logistics, mid-mile delivery, maritime resupply, and rapid aid deployments.

To date, over 25 units of AIR’s Cargo-Heavy Lift UAS have been ordered and paid for, continuing to signal strong market demand. This announcement comes on the heels of recent partnerships by AIR, including Dynon Avionics.