Vietnamese firm develops AI for world’s first tilt-rotor twin-propeller UAV

The technologies developed by FPT are expected to enhance the safety, autonomy and operational efficiency of Narma’s drones.

According to Narma, the AF100 is the world’s first electric drone to feature two propeller assemblies capable of changing their tilt angles.

The tilting-rotor design allows the UAV to take off and land vertically without a runway before transitioning to high-speed cruise flight.

Building on the partnership, FPT and Narma plan to expand research, and fine-tune and deploy the AF100 for suitable missions such as cargo delivery, emergency response, patrol and surveillance.

The two companies will also explore opportunities to expand their supply chains in both countries, including localizing components and cooperating in manufacturing to bring the product to the Vietnamese and South Korean markets.

The combination of FPT’s software and AI capabilities with Narma’s drone technology is expected to help bring UAV solutions into practical applications, supporting cargo transportation, emergency response, patrol and surveillance while creating value for businesses, society and the public.

Narma CEO Kwon Ki Jung said Vietnam was demonstrating a strong determination to strengthen its technological self-reliance.

Cooperation in the drone sector should therefore go beyond commercial activities and focus on technology transfer and capacity building for participating parties, he said.

Strategy for future

FPT CEO Nguyen Van Khoa said the Vietnamese government is currently accelerating the development of science and technology, with a strong commitment to mastering core technologies.

Through policies and initiatives designed to promote science and technology, the government is creating opportunities for companies such as FPT to participate in research and product development while contributing to Vietnam’s technological self-reliance.

The low-altitude economy, including civilian unmanned aircraft, air cargo transportation, and electric vertical takeoff and landing aircraft, has been identified as a strategic direction for the future.