Idex Abu Dhabi: Tawazun’s SDF launches HelioTech; firm focuses on VTOL aircraft – News

UAE-based company will focus on the design and manufacture of its proprietary and unique VTOL aircraft for commercial, security applications

Strategic Development Fund (SDF), the investment arm of Tawazun Council, has launched Helio Aviation Technologies (HelioTech), the latest addition to its venture capital portfolio, during the Defense Exhibition in Abu Dhabi.

UAE-based HelioTech will focus on the design and manufacture of its proprietary and unique vertical take-off and landing (VTOL) aircraft for commercial and security applications. HelioTech’s initial efforts will focus on the development and production of manned and unmanned single-engine helicopters based on cutting-edge coaxial technology. It has begun designing and developing a range of products in the VTOL aircraft segment, which are being exhibited at the International Defense Exhibition (IDEX).

Tareq Abdulraheem Al Hosani, secretary-general of the Tawazun Council, noted that the launch of HelioTech is an “important step” in the development of the UAE’s aviation, defense and security industries and will contribute to the growth and diversification of Abu Dhabi’s economy.

“HelioTech is in line with SDF’s mission to invest in financial and strategic return on investment through partnerships that contribute to the UAE’s private sector and Abu Dhabi’s technological capabilities,” added Al Hosani.

Abdulla Naser Al Jaabari, Managing Director and CEO of SDF and Chairman of HelioTech, highlighted aviation and urban mobility technologies as part of SDF’s focus on its key strategic areas.

“We started our first major investment in the rotorcraft industry in 2019, but due to specific constraints, we halted our plans and investments after reaching an agreement with our partners. The new venture capital investment through the launch of HelioTech is a testament to our confidence that advanced VTOL technology will play an important role in the aerospace, mobility and defense industries of the future,” said Al Jaabari, noting that SDF is committed to positioning HelioTech as an industry leader.

“Our aim is to further expand and grow the business in partnership with international industry players and investors,” Al Jaabari said.

HelioTech plans to establish an international distribution, manufacturing and production network to enable it to enter major markets around the world.

“HelioTech’s new production and design facility at the Al Bateen Executive Airport Free Zone will be the first step towards completing our prototype and achieving our targeted initial production capacity.”

said Sultan Al Kaabi, Senior Advisor to SDF and Managing Director of HelioTech.

“We have already started taking several steps to build our team of top international and young Emirati talent. We are working closely with international industry experts and partners and are confident that we will achieve our goal of commencing production of selected products within 2025,” Al Kaabi added.