Developers of the IRYDA+ X1, a compact fixed-wing uncrewed aerial vehicle designed for autonomous operations and multi-platform coordination, have completed Phase I flight testing at the Konya range in Turkey. During the trials, five engineering prototypes executed autonomous flight profiles and demonstrated simultaneous control of multiple platforms from a single ground control station.
As announced by joint developers MBF Group S.A. and Shark Aviation Dynamics, the initial testing phase evaluated platform flight characteristics, operator communications, mission abort and recovery routines, and multi-UAV command functionality. One prototype logged an autonomous distance of approximately 24 km, while another recorded a flight duration of 18 minutes, reaching speeds up to 146 km/h. Standard operational specifications list a 20 km range, endurance up to 40 minutes, a cruising speed of 60–80 km/h, and a maximum speed of 100 km/h.
The Phase I demonstration served to validate 52 engineering prototypes produced during initial aerodynamic, navigation, and software development, though full autonomous swarm networking between drones was not featured. Featuring a modular structure with detachable wings for rapid assembly, the electrically powered platform carries up to 300 grams of sensor payload and operates in temperatures ranging from −20 to +50 °C using integrated GPS/GNSS and inertial navigation systems (INS). The developers plan to demonstrate the platform at the upcoming MSPO 2026 defense exhibition in Kielce, Poland, before advancing to Phase II multi-drone operator trials.
