AIRO Unveils Full-Scale Next-Generation Dual-Use Aircraft Platform at XPONENTIAL 2026
DETROIT, May 12, 2026 — AIRO Group Holdings, Inc. (Nasdaq: AIRO), a next-generation aerospace and defense company, together with its brand Jaunt Air Mobility, announced the public unveiling of its full-scale autonomous aircraft at AUVSI XPONENTIAL 2026 — a vertical takeoff and landing (VTOL) platform designed for defense and government missions, with dual-use capability for cargo logistics and remote operations.
The aircraft represents a major milestone in the development of AIRO’s heavy-lift, hybrid-electric VTOL, designed to address critical needs across commercial logistics, defense, and government operations.
“This unveiling marks an important step as we move from concept to a tangible platform,” said Joe Burns, AIRO CEO. “The aircraft is designed to deliver reliable, scalable capability in environments where traditional aviation solutions are limited or unavailable.”
The program is advancing through detailed design and engineering, with the team reporting strong progress across key subsystems. Development activities are tracking ahead of expectations, and current R&D costs are running below targets, reflecting disciplined execution and efficient partner integration.
Based on current progress, AIRO expects commercialization and initial operational deployment beginning in 2027, consistent with previously communicated timelines.
“We are advancing the aircraft through design and development with an accelerated approach that integrates digital engineering and early system validation,” said Martin Perye, AIRO SVP & GM Electric Air Mobility. “We remain on track for first flight by the end of this year.”
The unveiling at XPONENTIAL provides customers, partners, and industry stakeholders a first opportunity to experience the aircraft configuration and see its size, capabilities, and operational concept.
“This unveiling highlights the aircraft’s core capabilities — from its slowed-rotor architecture to the combination of vertical lift and efficient forward flight, and the flexibility enabled through modular payload configurations,” said Dr. Simon Brieno, AIRO VP Business Strategy. “These are the elements we expect to drive real value across both government and commercial applications.”
Based on continued design optimization and mission analysis, the platform is projected to achieve over 1,000 miles of range and 16 hours of endurance in the ISR configuration, significantly expanding its operational reach for long-endurance missions.
A Platform for Defense and Dual-Use Mission Needs
The aircraft is built on a common architecture optimized for defense and government missions, where range, endurance, payload capacity, and operational flexibility are critical.
- JC250 (Cargo): Optimized for middle-mile logistics, remote resupply, and humanitarian operations
- JX250 (ISR): Configured for intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance missions for defense and government customers
Designed for Real-World Operations
Key features of the platform include:
- Detachable cargo pod system for rapid loading and unloading
- Hybrid-electric propulsion architecture for extended range and operational flexibility
- Vertical takeoff and landing capability enabling access to remote or constrained areas
- Modular design supporting mission adaptability across defense and commercial applications
About AIRO
AIRO Group Holdings is a next-generation aerospace and defense platform driving innovation across defense and commercial markets. Headquartered in McLean, VA, with operations in the U.S., Canada, and Denmark, AIRO combines global reach with deep technical expertise.
Through an integrated model, AIRO delivers mission-critical solutions centered on its drone platforms, leveraging advanced avionics, integrated training capabilities, and embedded autonomy across systems.
About Jaunt Air Mobility
Jaunt Air Mobility is a core business segment of AIRO, focused on the development of next-generation vertical takeoff and landing aircraft for defense and dual-use applications.
Source: AIRO Group Holdings
