Kite

Kite is a fixed-wing, vertical take-off and landing (VTOL) delivery drone built for long-range, beyond-visual-line-of-sight logistics, now produced by the Australian company Kite Aero. It was originally developed by Melbourne drone-logistics company Swoop Aero and has been used worldwide for medical and humanitarian cargo delivery.

Overview

Swoop Aero built its reputation flying Kite on medical-logistics routes, including vaccine and blood-sample delivery, across multiple countries before the company entered voluntary administration in October 2024 and liquidation the following month. On 31 March 2025, newly formed Australian company Kite Aero acquired Swoop Aero's key assets, including the Kite aircraft itself and its drone-operations software platform, and has continued developing and supporting the type since.

Kite is designed around a pass-through payload bay with top and bottom access, allowing hand loading, automated dispatch or winch delivery depending on the mission, which has made it suited to healthcare logistics, humanitarian supply drops, search-and-rescue support and aerial mapping.

Design and capabilities

Kite has a 2.72 m wingspan and a maximum take-off weight of 26.5 kg, carrying a payload of up to 4 kg. Kite Aero states a one-way range of 240 km and a return range of 115 km when carrying a 2.5 kg payload. It cruises at 115 km/h with a maximum speed of 200 km/h, operates up to 3,000 m above mean sea level, and is fully electric with a fully redundant powertrain. The aircraft is rated for light rain of up to 2 mm/h and winds up to 18 m/s, and supports both SATCOM and LTE command links for beyond-visual-line-of-sight operation.

Frequently asked questions

How far can the Kite fly?

Kite Aero states a one-way range of 240 km and a return range of 115 km, both at a 2.5 kg payload.

How much can the Kite carry?

Up to 4 kg, in a pass-through payload bay accessible from the top or bottom of the aircraft.

Who makes the Kite drone today?

Kite Aero, an Australian company formed in 2025 that acquired the aircraft and its software from the liquidated Swoop Aero.

Does the Kite need a runway?

No. It is a fixed-wing VTOL aircraft that takes off and lands vertically.

What is the Kite used for?

Long-range logistics, particularly medical and humanitarian cargo delivery, along with search-and-rescue support and aerial mapping.