DT46
DT46 is a tactical drone built by Delair of France that converts in the field between vertical take-off and landing (VTOL) and catapult-launched fixed-wing flight, extending the long-endurance BVLOS design of the manufacturer's DT26 Line and DT-18.
Overview
Delair markets DT46 as a convertible platform: the same airframe can be reconfigured on the field in about two minutes between a VTOL configuration, for operation without a runway, and a fixed-wing configuration, for longer-endurance missions. Delair's French Army customers received DT46 systems with mountain artillery units in February 2025, and the manufacturer's press coverage lists planned deliveries to the French National Gendarmerie from May 2025. A team in Quebec separately tested DT46 in August 2025 for long-range delivery of medicines and collection of biological samples.
Design and capabilities
Delair's product page gives DT46 a 4.5 m wingspan and 2 m length in both configurations. In its VTOL configuration, the aircraft has a total weight of about 25 kg, a 5 kg payload, an endurance of up to 3.5 hours, and takes off and lands vertically and fully automatically from a 10 m by 10 m area. In its fixed-wing configuration, total weight drops to about 20 kg with the same 5 kg payload, endurance extends to up to 6.5 hours, and the aircraft is catapult-launched and belly-lands fully automatically within a 150 m by 30 m area. Both configurations deploy in about 15 minutes and operate from −10°C to +50°C in winds up to 16 m/s (about 58 km/h). Supported payloads include an EO/IR gimbal, a combined LiDAR and RGB camera, an IMSI-catcher payload, or an open payload bay for third-party sensors.
Operational history
Delair's press coverage reports DT46 systems delivered to French Army mountain artillery units for tactical observation and precision artillery support, and planned delivery to the French National Gendarmerie for law-enforcement observation missions. No figures on fleet size or unit cost have been published.
Frequently asked questions
What is Delair's DT46?
DT46 is a tactical drone that converts in the field between VTOL and catapult-launched fixed-wing flight, built by Delair of France.
How long can DT46 fly?
Delair states up to 3.5 hours' endurance in its VTOL configuration and up to 6.5 hours in its fixed-wing configuration.
How much can DT46 carry?
Delair rates both configurations for a 5 kg payload, with total aircraft weight of about 25 kg (VTOL) or 20 kg (fixed-wing).
Who operates DT46?
Delair's press coverage reports deliveries to French Army mountain artillery units and planned delivery to the French National Gendarmerie.
Does DT46 need a runway?
No. In its VTOL configuration it takes off and lands vertically from a 10 m by 10 m area; in its fixed-wing configuration it is catapult-launched and belly-lands within a 150 m by 30 m area.
