Drone Volt unveils the Hercules 100, a cargo drone capable of carrying 100 kg
Drone Volt presented via press release the Hercules 100, a heavy-lift cargo drone capable of carrying up to 100 kg of payload for 30 minutes, with a maximum takeoff weight of 197 kg. The aircraft, developed in France, was unveiled in flight on October 9, 2026 at the UAV Show in Bordeaux during its first public demonstration.
A foldable octocopter, transportable in a pick-up and modular
The Hercules 100 is based on an octocopter architecture offering motor redundancy. Its flight controller integrates triple redundancy, supplemented by RTK GPS, an obstacle avoidance radar and a terrain-following LiDAR. Powered by two solid-state high-voltage 24S batteries, it reaches a maximum mission speed of 36 km/h. The company specifies that endurance may vary depending on weather and operational conditions. Foldable (1,660 × 1,060 × 720 mm), the aircraft can be transported in a pick-up type vehicle, delivered by road and then deployed from an advanced area. The platform can be equipped with different equipment depending on the mission. An automated winch controlled remotely, with a maximum capacity of 80 kg, allows loading to be set down without landing the drone. An automatic hook associated with a 30-meter sling can also be installed.
Industry, Civil Security and armed forces targeted, SORA framework in preparation
According to Drone Volt, the Hercules 100 is intended for equipment transport, supply of isolated sites, industrial logistics and interventions in difficult-to-access environments. For Civil Security and fire and rescue services, it can contribute to the transport of rescue equipment, medical equipment or CBRN-E, batteries, water and provisions, particularly during forest fires, floods or natural and technological disasters. For the armed forces, the company mentions prospects for operational logistics and resupply. The aircraft is a continuation of the Hercules range. Drone Volt is simultaneously working on defining the first concepts of operations (CONOPS) and evaluating them according to the SORA (Specific Operations Risk Assessment) methodology, in order to prepare future operations and corresponding authorization requests. The group indicates its desire to offer a complete cargo solution, combining aerial platform, equipment, operational expertise and regulatory support. "With the Hercules 100, Drone Volt is scaling up. Carrying up to 100 kg for 30 minutes opens up a new field of applications for cargo transport by drone," said Marc Courcelle, Chief Executive Officer of Drone Volt. The company, listed on Euronext Growth in Paris, will publish its third-quarter 2026 revenue on October 14.
