DRONE VOLT scales up and launches the HERCULES 100, its new cargo drone: 100 kg payload capacity for 30 minutes

Villepinte, October 9, 2026

DRONE VOLT, a French manufacturer of professional drones and a leading technology player in aerial robotics, announces the launch of the HERCULES 100, its new heavy-lift CARGO drone capable of carrying a payload of up to 100 kg for 30 minutes¹. Developed in France, DRONE VOLT’s new heavy-lift CARGO drone is being unveiled in flight today at the UAV Show in Bordeaux. With a maximum take-off weight of 197 kg, the HERCULES 100 marks a new milestone in the development of DRONE VOLT’s proprietary solutions, extending its expertise into heavy-lift aerial logistics.

100 kg payload capacity and a mobile platform

The HERCULES 100 features an octocopter architecture providing motor redundancy. Its flight controller incorporates triple redundancy, complemented by RTK GPS, an obstacle avoidance radar and terrain-following LiDAR.

Powered by two high-voltage 24S solid-state batteries, it offers a flight endurance of up to 30 minutes with a 100 kg payload, at a maximum operational speed of 36 km/h.

Foldable (1,660 × 1,060 × 720 mm), the HERCULES 100 can be transported in a pick-up truck. This enables teams to transport the platform by road before deploying and operating it directly from a forward operating location.

A fully-fledged aerial logistics platform

Designed for modularity, the HERCULES 100 can accommodate different equipment depending on mission requirements. A remotely controlled automated winch, with a maximum lifting capacity of 80 kg, enables payloads to be lowered without landing the drone.

The platform can also be equipped with an automatic cargo hook and a 30-metre sling, allowing transport configurations to be adapted to terrain constraints.

Industry, civil protection and armed forces

The HERCULES 100 is designed to meet a wide range of requirements, including equipment transport, resupply of remote sites, industrial logistics and operations in hard-to-reach environments.

For civil protection and fire and rescue services, it can support the delivery of emergency equipment, pumps, hoses, medical or CBRN-E equipment, communication systems, batteries, water and food supplies, particularly during wildfires, floods, and natural or technological disasters.

For the armed forces, the HERCULES 100 also opens up new possibilities for operational logistics and resupply, particularly for transporting equipment, food, water, batteries, spare parts and medical support supplies. Its mobility and ability to be deployed from a pick-up truck are key advantages for operations close to the field.

A platform developed in France

The HERCULES 100 was developed in France and builds on the HERCULES range, retaining its core principles of robustness, modularity and safety.

In parallel, DRONE VOLT is working on defining the first CONOPS (Concepts of Operations) and assessing them using the SORA (Specific Operations Risk Assessment) methodology, in preparation for future operations and the corresponding authorisation applications.

DRONE VOLT thus aims to offer a comprehensive CARGO solution combining an aerial platform, equipment, operational expertise and regulatory support.

HERCULES 100 unveiled in flight today at the UAV Show in Bordeaux

The HERCULES 100 is being unveiled in flight this Friday, October 9, 2026, at the UAV Show in Bordeaux.

This first public demonstration gives industry professionals the opportunity to see the new CARGO platform in action under real-world conditions and discuss its initial operational applications with DRONE VOLT’s teams.

Marc Courcelle, Chief Executive Officer of DRONE VOLT :

“With the HERCULES 100, DRONE VOLT is moving to a new scale. Carrying up to 100 kg for 30 minutes opens up a whole new range of applications for drone-based cargo transport. Developed in France, transportable in a pick-up truck and rapidly deployable, the HERCULES 100 has been designed as a fully-fledged aerial logistics platform, serving applications ranging from industry and civil protection to logistical support for the armed forces.”

photo courtesy DRONE VOLT