Mass production: Continental Engineering Systems builds X4 drone for HHLA Sky

In the summer of 2023, the "Automated First Responder Drone X4" by HHLA Sky was awarded the prestigious Red Dot Award at the highest level ("Best of the Best"). However, developing a drone is one thing, but mass production is quite another. For this reason, the Hamburg-based team brought in the experts from Continental Engineering Systems (CES)—and were able to announce the start of production of the first series of 100 units at CES at the end of September.

HHLA Sky's X4 drone has been specifically designed to meet the requirements of commercial use in an industrial environment. Robust materials, few moving parts and a modular design increase the ability to respond quickly to minor damage that may occur during regular operation in harsh conditions. In addition, cyber and operational security were important issues in the development of the concept, in which HHLA Sky collaborated with Osnabrück University of Applied Sciences and Third Element Aviation. Turning a good idea into a production-ready product and manufacturing it in large quantities required special expertise. Know-how that Continental Engineering Systems has. By working together, the partners hope to combine HHLA Sky's expertise in UAS technology and safe control technology with CES's expertise in high-quality, efficient production. After all, there are plans for more than just the first 100 X4 drones.

>This article was produced in cooperation with Drones, the magazine for the drone economy. www.drones-magazin.de