Wingcopter, a German drone manufacturer, in collaboration with ITOCHU Corporation, has initiated the type certification process for its Wingcopter 198 delivery drone in Japan. This development is reportedly the first non-native company’s drone to undergo such certification in Japan, setting the stage for potential flights beyond visual line of sight (BVLOS) operations in populated areas.
The Japan Civil Aviation Bureau of the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism has accepted Wingcopter’s application, paving the way for the certification process. Upon successful completion, Wingcopter will gain authorisation for Level 4 flights, allowing for BVLOS operations in densely populated regions. This opens doors for Wingcopter and ITOCHU to pioneer commercial drone operations in Japan.
The successful certification of Wingcopter’s drone would not only facilitate efficient delivery networks but also address pressing social challenges by swiftly transporting essential goods over long distances and challenging terrains.
Florian-Michael Adolf, head of certification at Wingcopter, expressed: “This milestone represents significant progress towards realising commercial drone delivery in Japan and beyond. At Wingcopter, we are striving for type certification, as it underscores our commitment to safety of our product, as well as the diligence and professionalism of our entire team.”
Masaharu Sato, deputy general manager of the aerospace department at ITOCHU Corporation, also highlighted: “We see great potential in Wingcopter’s delivery drone to make everybody’s life better and are delighted with the promising progress in realising this value.”
Notably, ITOCHU, a longstanding partner and investor in Wingcopter, has conducted several Proof of Concepts under special permits, demonstrating the feasibility of various drone applications. In May 2023, they successfully executed a verification experiment for medical blood product transportation, showcasing the practicality and efficiency of Wingcopter’s technology.
In parallel with its efforts in Japan, Wingcopter is also undergoing the FAA type certification process in the US, aiming to tap into the vast commercial opportunities in the North American market.
