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Zuri Hybrid VTOL

@zurivtol.bsky.social
13 followers 2 following 178 posts

Czech aircraft company building an uncrewed cargo tiltrotor for civil and defense: it lifts like a helicopter, cruises on a wing, and carries 100+ kg of cargo up to 700 km with full reserves. Hybrid-electric. 15+ aircraft flown since 2018.

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Zuri Hybrid VTOL @zurivtol.bsky.social · 05/10/2026
The uncrewed cargo VTOL. One airframe, many places. Civil and defense. Full-scale demonstrator in integration and ground test in Prague.
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Zuri Hybrid VTOL @zurivtol.bsky.social · 29/09/2026
Zuri in Augsburg, 20 to 22 Oct: AIRTEC, DefenceTec, Counter-UAS. Uncrewed hybrid-electric VTOL for civil and defense: a hundred-plus kilograms over hundreds of km, without a runway, one operator on the ground. Demonstrator in ground test, first flight Q2 2027. Built in Europe, ITAR-free.
Zuri banner for AIRTEC, DefenceTec and Counter-UAS 2026: render of the uncrewed cargo VTOL aircraft, 20 to 22 October, Augsburg.
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Zuri Hybrid VTOL @zurivtol.bsky.social · 25/09/2026
Back at Future Aero Lab in Hamburg for Lab Session #29. No decks: a 60-second pitch, then five 17-minute sessions with aviation mentors. Michal Illich and investor Daniel Majewski represented Zuri.
Daniel Majewski and Michal Illich beside a Future Aero Lab banner at ZAL in Hamburg, aircraft fuselage sections behind the glass.
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Zuri Hybrid VTOL @zurivtol.bsky.social · 23/09/2026
The European Commission has awarded Zuri a Horizon Europe Seal of Excellence for our hybrid tiltrotor demonstrator proposal, recognised by independent experts as "a high-quality project proposal in a highly competitive evaluation process." It carries no EU funding.
The European Commission's Horizon Europe Seal of Excellence certificate for Zuri's hybrid tiltrotor demonstrator proposal, stating that it was recognised by an international panel of independent experts as a high-quality project proposal in a highly competitive evaluation process.
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Zuri Hybrid VTOL @zurivtol.bsky.social · 17/09/2026
Three checks before full-power testing of the engine for TD 2.0, our full-scale hybrid-electric demonstrator: it runs correctly, our oil and water cooling holds at idle, and the sensors we added read correctly. All three passed.
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Zuri Hybrid VTOL @zurivtol.bsky.social · 15/09/2026
We ran the engine at the heart of Technology Demonstrator 2.0's hybrid-electric powertrain on our test rig in Prague.
Engineer working on the engine of Zuri Technology Demonstrator 2.0 on a test rig in Prague.Zuri engineers monitoring the Technology Demonstrator 2.0 engine test from laptops beside the test rig.Engine and test rig for Zuri Technology Demonstrator 2.0’s hybrid-electric powertrain in Prague.
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Zuri Hybrid VTOL @zurivtol.bsky.social · 10/09/2026
The first tranche of our Series A is open, and existing investors have already committed. zuri.com/invest
The TD 2.0 fuselage seen end-on through its open frames, on the jig in Zuri's Prague workshop.
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Zuri Hybrid VTOL @zurivtol.bsky.social · 08/09/2026
Subscale aircraft, three-meter span, experimental configuration. Last week it went from hover through transition to wing-borne cruise. TD 2.0, the full-scale demonstrator, flies in 2027. Subscale work carries on alongside it, and this is a piece of it.
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Zuri Hybrid VTOL @zurivtol.bsky.social · 31/08/2026
We announced our uncrewed cargo VTOL last week, and rebuilt our website around it. Every figure published with the number behind it, the payload and range trade as a slider you can move yourself, and the aircraft in 3D. zuri.com/aircraft
Render of two Zuri uncrewed cargo aircraft over calm sea, the white civil one above and the olive defense one below, the same airframe in two liveries.
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Zuri Hybrid VTOL @zurivtol.bsky.social · 27/08/2026
Today we unveiled our first product: Zuri uncrewed cargo VTOL. Hybrid-electric tiltrotor. A hundred-plus kg to 569 km with full reserves. Series hybrid: the engine drives a generator, never a rotor. Built on our full-scale demonstrator, in ground test in Prague. zuri.com/news/zuri-un...
Render of the Zuri uncrewed cargo aircraft on an apron at dusk, its cargo bay open, a crew member holding a parcel and a loaded transport case on the ground.
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Zuri Hybrid VTOL @zurivtol.bsky.social · 18/08/2026
Michal Illich is eVTOL Insights' first CEO Feature. Hybrid power rather than battery only. A real wing rather than a multicopter. Neither was where the funding was going in 2017. Both are now industry consensus. Full interview in the images. August edition free: evtolinsights.com/august-2026/
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Zuri Hybrid VTOL @zurivtol.bsky.social · 10/08/2026
Hardware Designer, Prague. Analog and digital electronics, power supply design, STM32 and other ARM MCUs, CAN/SPI/UART/I²C, PCB design, prototype bring-up and diagnosis. Custom circuits for a hybrid-electric VTOL aircraft, from schematic to a living prototype. zuri.com/career
Zuri hiring banner. Hardware Designer, Prague.
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Zuri Hybrid VTOL @zurivtol.bsky.social · 30/07/2026
Some places the road does not reach. Others it reaches too late. And today, flying only helps if there is an airport at both ends. That gap is why our CEO started Zuri: vertical takeoff, fixed wings, hybrid-electric power. Full conversation: youtu.be/2gWOp_pdyF4
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Zuri Hybrid VTOL @zurivtol.bsky.social · 27/07/2026
Final preparations for full-speed propeller testing. The rig is in our workshop now. Next it moves to an airfield, where the propellers get taken to full speed.
Close-up of the Zuri propulsion rig with a black three-blade propeller and tilt mechanism, a white Zuri aircraft mounted behind it in the workshop.
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Zuri Hybrid VTOL @zurivtol.bsky.social · 07/07/2026
EUSPA has published a success story on Zuri. Our TD 2.0 hybrid tiltrotor will fly with Galileo, EGNOS and Copernicus guiding vertical take-off and landing, part of the Horizon Europe project VITOLMINS. Feature by @euspa.bsky.social
euspa.europa.eu
European space-backed hybrid aircraft rewrites the rules of regional flight
Passengers on short-haul flights often face long delays at congested hub airports, with connections adding hours to regional journeys. While the aerospace industry has pinned its hopes on electric ver...
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Zuri Hybrid VTOL @zurivtol.bsky.social · 30/06/2026
A full day in Prague with EUSPA program reviewers and our VITOLMINS partners. Working sessions, the workshop, key components in testing, the flight simulator. The hardware tells the story better than slides do.
A group of visitors stand and talk beneath the wing of a Zuri aircraft, framed by the wing above.Visitors and staff listen to a presentation beneath a Zuri tiltrotor prototype suspended from the hangar ceiling.A presenter addresses a group in the workshop, with a Zuri-branded backdrop and a suspended prototype behind.Group of visitors and Zuri staff in an aircraft production hall, with a Zuri fuselage in the foreground.
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Zuri Hybrid VTOL @zurivtol.bsky.social · 26/06/2026
Some trips are just stuck. Too far to drive, too short to be worth the airport, too costly by helicopter. A hybrid-electric aircraft built for exactly that distance. Vertical takeoff, winged cruise, the full leg without recharging. Helicopter access. Fixed-wing range. The cost of neither.
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Zuri Hybrid VTOL @zurivtol.bsky.social · 17/06/2026
Zuri was one of five startups selected for Future Aero Lab Session #28 in Berlin, hosted at the Lufthansa Innovation Hub. A full day of candid mentor feedback on what makes a hybrid-electric tiltrotor programme work: certification, unit economics, and where to focus.
Speakers at Future Aero Lab Session 28 in Berlin, beside a slide showing the programme's five-year track record.
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Zuri Hybrid VTOL @zurivtol.bsky.social · 11/06/2026
Start Vertically. Go Beyond. Zuri founder Michal Illich gave the Sustainable Future keynote at Innovations United 2026, Prague Castle. The case for hybrid VTOL: 6 seats, 700 km, 350 km/h, 15+ aircraft flown since 2017. Battery-only can't close the range gap. Hybrid does.
Zuri founder Michal Illich on stage at Innovations United 2026, Prague Castle, presenting a slide on the problem with regional travel.
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Zuri Hybrid VTOL @zurivtol.bsky.social · 09/06/2026
Another transition from our subscale model. New flight controller behind it.
Zuri's subscale model hovering above a green field under a clear blue sky.
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Zuri Hybrid VTOL @zurivtol.bsky.social · 04/06/2026
On Friday our CMO Robert Demmer presented Zuri's role in VITOLMINS to the European Parliament's ITRE committee at EUSPA in Prague. VITOLMINS brings Europe's own satellite navigation, Galileo and EGNOS, into a new class of aircraft. We provide the aircraft.
Robert Demmer of Zuri presenting to a European Parliament delegation at EUSPA in Prague.Participants with a Zuri hybrid-electric tiltrotor model at EUSPA in Prague.
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Zuri Hybrid VTOL @zurivtol.bsky.social · 27/05/2026
Inside our Prague workshop. Building test rigs and performing systems integration testing for the Zuri Technology Demonstrator 2.0.
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Zuri Hybrid VTOL @zurivtol.bsky.social · 25/05/2026
"Zuri Advances Hybrid Tiltrotor Demonstrator 2.0." Aviation Week, May 2026. Ben Goldstein on Zuri's program: assembly progress, full-power propulsion test, path to first flight.
aviationweek.com
Zuri Advances Hybrid Tiltrotor Demonstrator 2.0 | Aviation Week
Zuri progresses hybrid tiltrotor demonstrator testing for regional air mobility applications.
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Zuri Hybrid VTOL @zurivtol.bsky.social · 22/05/2026
Zuri Technology Demonstrator 2.0 is being built in Prague. Before it flies, we wanted to share it with the public. The display aircraft was unveiled at AERO Friedrichshafen and shown again at Maker Faire Prague.
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Zuri Hybrid VTOL @zurivtol.bsky.social · 19/05/2026
The next phase of advanced air mobility may not be all-electric. Michal Illich on why Zuri went hybrid, live Thursday on YouTube. May 21, 18:30 CEST. Set a reminder: www.youtube.com/live/TwjaNn_...
Michal Illich, Zuri CEO, with the V1NG subscale model. Meet The CEO live with eVTOL Hub, May 21, 18:30 CEST.
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Zuri Hybrid VTOL @zurivtol.bsky.social · 15/05/2026
TD 2.0, our second technology demonstrator, just got one major piece closer to first flight. Inspection is underway at our Prague workshop. Bench testing follows.
Shipping crate at Zuri's Prague aerospace workshop, with the Zuri logo on the floor.
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Zuri Hybrid VTOL @zurivtol.bsky.social · 07/05/2026
Pure electric for cities. Hybrid for regional flight. An expansion of the market, not a replacement: EMS, cargo, offshore, defense. Full analysis featuring eVTOL Hub: www.youtube.com/watch?v=rkF1...
youtube.com
What Comes After Archer & Joby? The Next eVTOL Shift
YouTube video by Martyn Lucas INVESTOR
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Zuri Hybrid VTOL @zurivtol.bsky.social · 06/05/2026
Zuri is featured in Deeptech Insider's 2026 Aerospace Tech edition, a shortlist of 20 emerging innovators to watch. Download the full magazine: deeptechinsider.com/2026/05/06/d...
Deeptech Insider 2026 Aerospace Tech cover. 20 emerging aerospace innovators including Zuri.
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Zuri Hybrid VTOL @zurivtol.bsky.social · 30/04/2026
We're a Czech company building a hybrid VTOL that will change how the world travels. Come see our aircraft and fly it in VR at Maker Faire Prague next weekend. 9–10 May · Outdoor zone, main entrance
Zuri display aircraft with Maker Faire Prague branding, 9–10 May 2026.
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Zuri Hybrid VTOL @zurivtol.bsky.social · 23/04/2026
A closer look at what Zuri is showing at AERO Friedrichshafen. Display version of TD 2.0, our second Technology Demonstrator, at full scale. Eight tiltrotors, hybrid-electric propulsion. Flight testing begins end of 2026, unmanned. Hall A7, Stand 211. #AEROFriedrichshafen
Side view of Zuri's display aircraft showing two-seat cockpit, tiltrotors, and fuselage branding.Two visitors watching a television display at Zuri's AERO stand.Zuri team member and visitor having a conversation in front of the display aircraft.Wide view of Zuri's display aircraft on the AERO Friedrichshafen stand, tiltrotors and wingspan visible.
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Zuri Hybrid VTOL @zurivtol.bsky.social · 22/04/2026
AERO Friedrichshafen, Day 1. We're showing the display aircraft of TD 2.0, our hybrid-electric VTOL technology demonstrator. The flying version will be manufactured in the coming months, with flight testing targeted for late 2026. Stop by and see it for yourself. Hall A7, Stand 211.
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Zuri Hybrid VTOL @zurivtol.bsky.social · 15/04/2026
See you in Friedrichshafen. Hall A7, Stand 211. April 22–25.
Close-up of Zuri logo on riveted panel.
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Zuri Hybrid VTOL @zurivtol.bsky.social · 14/04/2026
Subscale model flight testing. Hover and forward flight, eight tilting rotors.
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Zuri Hybrid VTOL @zurivtol.bsky.social · 10/04/2026
AERO Friedrichshafen. We have a few things to show you. #aerofriedrichshafen
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Zuri Hybrid VTOL @zurivtol.bsky.social · 09/04/2026
Field day.
A Zuri engineer kneels beside equipment cases on a grass airfield, with a white Zuri-branded van behind them and open farmland under a blue sky.
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Zuri Hybrid VTOL @zurivtol.bsky.social · 07/04/2026
Wing joined to fuselage. Zuri's Technology Demonstrator 2.0 is starting to look like an aircraft.
Zuri Technology Demonstrator 2.0 wing joined to fuselage during structural assembly, showing riveted aluminum skin panels and wing root junction in workshop.
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Zuri Hybrid VTOL @zurivtol.bsky.social · 02/04/2026
Not everything needs to be revealed. Yet. We have something to show at AERO Friedrichshafen. Hall A7, Stand 211. April 22–25.
Front silhouette of Zuri hybrid-electric VTOL aircraft with tiltrotor propellers in dark environment with reflection below.
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Zuri Hybrid VTOL @zurivtol.bsky.social · 31/03/2026
Zuri Technology Demonstrator 2.0 fuselage coming together. Multiple barrel sections being assembled and skinned in parallel. All metal, hand riveted. #AdvancedAirMobility #VTOL #eVTOL
Two aerospace technicians assembling and skinning the TD 2.0 fuselage barrel section with Cleco fastenersTechnician riveting aluminum skin panel to TD 2.0 fuselage structure using pneumatic rivet gunTechnician fitting skin panel onto TD 2.0 aft fuselage barrel section during structural assemblyTD 2.0 fuselage barrel section under assembly with multiple subassemblies visible across the production floor
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Zuri Hybrid VTOL @zurivtol.bsky.social · 26/03/2026
Where the hybrid-electric propulsion system will sit. Zuri's Technology Demonstrator 2.0 airframe taking shape. All-metal structure, built to validate the systems that define range and capability.
Front view into Zuri's Technology Demonstrator 2.0 airframe section, showing metal frames, stringers, and temporary fasteners during workshop assembly.
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Zuri Hybrid VTOL @zurivtol.bsky.social · 16/03/2026
Aurion motor controller. An in-house design for Zuri's electric propulsion unit. Comparable controllers were nearly 4× heavier. Aurion reduces propulsion system weight and improves aircraft performance margins. Testing continues.
Aurion in-house motor controller developed by Zuri engineers for the electric propulsion unit.
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Zuri Hybrid VTOL @zurivtol.bsky.social · 12/03/2026
Hybrid-electric propulsion with a tiltrotor architecture represents a different approach to regional air mobility than fully electric urban aircraft. Czech aviation magazine Letectví + kosmonautika recently featured Zuri Hybrid VTOL and its next-generation technology demonstrator now in development.
Cover of Letectví + kosmonautika aviation magazine featuring a headline about Zuri Hybrid VTOL’s second technology demonstrator.
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Zuri Hybrid VTOL @zurivtol.bsky.social · 10/03/2026
Zuri will be at the First Czech UAS Industry Day on March 17, 2026 at the UAV Technology Park in Moravské Budějovice. Meet our team and learn more about Zuri Hybrid VTOL. Zuri se zúčastní First Czech UAS Industry Day dne 17. března 2026 v UAV Technology Parku v Moravských Budějovicích.
Event graphic announcing Zuri’s participation in the First Czech UAS Industry Day on March 17, 2026 in Moravské Budějovice, Czech Republic.
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Zuri Hybrid VTOL @zurivtol.bsky.social · 05/03/2026
Infrastructure defines what aircraft can do. In many regions, air access is limited by short runways and difficult terrain. Geography often defines connectivity.
Short runway airport on a steep Caribbean island surrounded by ocean cliffs.
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Zuri Hybrid VTOL @zurivtol.bsky.social · 27/02/2026
Motor-to-motor load testing. Two electric motors mechanically coupled. One drives. One applies load. Current profiles, EMI, and efficiency are monitored as part of propulsion validation.
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Zuri Hybrid VTOL @zurivtol.bsky.social · 25/02/2026
A lot of aircraft development looks like this. #EngineeringWeek #Aerospace
Desk with annotated documents and notebook during aircraft development review.
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Zuri Hybrid VTOL @zurivtol.bsky.social · 24/02/2026
Hybrid propulsion relies on battery power during peak demand phases such as takeoff and landing. Discharge performance, thermal response under load, and internal resistance are characterized across the full temperature range in controlled testing.
Infrared thermal image of a battery unit during high discharge testing.
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Zuri Hybrid VTOL @zurivtol.bsky.social · 20/02/2026
We repositioned our technology demonstrator (TD 1.0) to create more floor space inside the workshop for ongoing development work. Workshop layouts change as programs evolve.
Zuri technology demonstrator 1.0 positioned above a room within the workshop after being moved to create floor space for ongoing development work.
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Zuri Hybrid VTOL @zurivtol.bsky.social · 18/02/2026
Scaling aviation does not always require new infrastructure. Often, it requires better use of what already exists.
View of a regional airport and surrounding low density development showing existing aviation infrastructure.
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Zuri Hybrid VTOL @zurivtol.bsky.social · 16/02/2026
Zuri presenting the hybrid VTOL program at eVTOL Show Europe in Stuttgart.
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Zuri Hybrid VTOL @zurivtol.bsky.social · 09/02/2026
Integration is not a single moment. It's a sequence of tests and validation cycles that turn systems into an aircraft.
An engineer reviews technical documentation on a tablet beside a tiltrotor assembly mounted in a workshop.
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