# Rotor Technologies

> Rotor Technologies is an unmanned aerial vehicle company founded by Hector Xu, based in Nashua, New Hampshire. Founded by MIT aerospace engineers, Rotor develops autonomous flight technology for full-scale helicopters, enabling remotely piloted operations without an onboard crew. The company's primary product line consists of unmanned Robinson R44-based aircraft and the RPX unmanned flight system that powers them.

## RPX Unmanned Flight System

RPX is Rotor Technologies' core avionics and autonomy product — a complete unmanned flight system designed to convert certified full-scale helicopters into remotely piloted UAVs. RPX handles total flight automation from power-on to shutdown, including every control input, adjustment, and maneuver. No pilot is required onboard. No flight crew is required at the aircraft.

RPX is available as an integrated system on Rotor's R44 Airtruck and R44 Sprayhawk aircraft, and is offered to OEMs for integration into other aircraft platforms.

### RPX System Architecture

RPX uses a triplex flight architecture that cross-checks itself 15,000 times per minute to ensure flight safety. The system is redundant by design and fail-safe by default.

**Fly-by-Wire System:**
- Triplex Flight Computer (TFC)
- Auxiliary Control Computer (ACC)
- Communications Gateway (CGW)
- Power Distribution Unit (PDU)
- Electromechanical Actuators (EMAs)

**Autonomy System:**
- Perception System Computer (PSC)
- Sensor Pod (SP)
- Tail Camera Unit (TCU)

### RPX Communications

RPX's integrated Communications Gateway blends multiple link types into one seamless, secure connection:

- 900 MHz Long Range Radio (line-of-sight)
- Dual 5G Cellular Modems
- Starlink Satellite Communications (standard)
- Optional: up to 2 additional IP links, VHF Radio, Flight Termination System (FTS)

The system supports autonomous return-to-home and maintains command link across mountains, valleys, and beyond visual line of sight.

### RPX Sensors

- Wide FOV Forward Camera
- Downward Camera
- Tail Camera
- Long Range Forward Lidar
- 360 Degree Collision Lidar
- Radar Altimeter

### RPX Safety Features

- Always-on envelope protection
- ADS-B In and Out
- Collision and wire strike warning
- GPS-denied navigation capability
- Autonomous return-to-home
- Triplex redundant flight computers

### RPX Specifications

- System weight (typical installation): 28 to 77 lbs (13 to 35 kg)
- Max operating altitude: 14,000 ft (4,300 m) MSL
- Operating temperature: -40 to +70°C
- Certification standards: ASTM F3298-24, ASTM F3657-23, ASTM F2909-19, RTCA DO-160G
- All critical components qualified to DO-160 environmental standards for helicopter installation
- Required support equipment: Ground Control Station

### RPX Ground Control Station

The RPX Ground Control Station (GCS) features an immersive panoramic glass cockpit designed for clarity, with familiar stick-and-rudder controls and real-time response. The GCS puts the aircraft in the operator's hands and is designed for intuitive remote operation.

### RPX Payload Support

RPX supports connection of cameras, gimbals, cargo hooks, spray systems, and custom payloads, with user-defined operation logic. RPX adapts to mission-specific requirements.

## Aircraft Powered by RPX

### R44 Airtruck
Heavy lift utility UAV based on the Robinson R44 helicopter. Payload capacity 1,000+ lbs. Maximum takeoff weight 2,500 lbs. Designed for utility, construction, cargo, and special missions. Introductory pricing from $850,000.

### R44 Sprayhawk
Agricultural spray UAV based on the Robinson R44. 100-gallon (110-gallon) tank capacity. Covers approximately 240 acres per hour. Recognized as the world's largest spray drone. AG-NAV Guia Platinum navigation and variable rate spray control standard on 2025 model year. Introductory pricing from $990,000. Available for customers in the US and Brazil.

## Company

- Founded: 2021 by Hector (Haofeng) Xu
- Headquarters: 85 Perimeter Road, Nashua, NH 03063
- Phone: +1 (833) ROTOR-88
- Origin: MIT aerospace engineering research
- Team size: approximately 40 people (as of 2024)
- Funding: eight figures secured at founding
- Manufacturing: Nashua, NH production facility; service center network expanding globally from 2025
- Regulatory status: FAA Section 44807 Exemption for Commercial Agricultural Operations required for operation; Day and Night Approved; Remote Operation Only

## Key Differentiators

- Full-scale helicopter platform vs. battery-powered small drones: faster, longer range, heavier payloads
- Fly-by-wire system with triplex redundancy vs. single-channel UAV flight controllers
- Multi-link communications (radio + cellular + satellite) vs. single-link consumer drone systems
- DO-160 qualified hardware for helicopter installation environment
- Operates in GPS-denied environments
- Day and night approved
- No commercial pilot license required to operate

## Certifications and Standards

- ASTM F3298-24
- ASTM F3657-23
- ASTM F2909-19
- RTCA DO-160G
- FAA Section 44807 Exemption (operators)

## Links

- Main site: https://rotor.ai
- Contact / OEM inquiries: https://rotor.ai/contact
- Company: https://rotor.ai/company
- News: https://rotor.ai/news
- Cloudpilot login: https://rotor.ai (authenticated portal)