This marks a major milestone in the development program aimed at reaching the stratosphere by 2028
Mérignac, July 27, 2026 – X721 Enterprise announces the success of its inaugural mission, M001. During this mission, the Heliblade demonstrator officially validated its outdoor test flight, following a prior series of successful tests. This major milestone confirms the maturity of the design and is part of an ambitious development program aimed at reaching the stratosphere by 2028.
Classified as an experimental drone, the Heliblade demonstrator falls into the HALE (High Altitude Long Endurance) and HAPS (High Altitude Pseudo-Satellite) categories.
This first test flight, M001, took place in Nouvelle-Aquitaine on Friday, July 24, at 7:45 a.m. (CET). The flight consisted of two phases, with an initial level flight at 15 meters, followed by a second at an altitude of 35 meters.
This demonstrator is a Heliblade “Model 11” (named in honor of the Blériot XI, a light monoplane produced starting in 1909), consisting of two ultralight wings with a total wingspan of 18 meters and a mass of less than 4 kilograms.
This successful test flight was conducted for and with the support of the French Air and Space Force and the Directorate General of Armaments (DGA).
Unlike conventional stratospheric platforms, the Heliblade relies on an innovative architecture featuring ultralight rotating wings. Its flight stability and structural rigidity are ensured by harnessing centrifugal forces—a novel technological approach that opens new opportunities for the public and private sectors worldwide.
On this occasion, Pierre-Eric Lys, CEO & Chief Engineer of X721, stated:
“Today, centrifugal forces won a small battle against gravity… and I must say we’re quite pleased with the result.
This first flight is a very special moment for the entire team. Just a few minutes ago, the Heliblade was nothing more than a prototype, the result of several years of research, simulations, and testing. On this day, it has become an aircraft by showing its ability to fly in a controlled manner.
Of course, we remain cautious: a successful first flight is just one step. There will still need to be a lot of testing and improvements before we have a fully operational system. But today, we have crossed a major technological barrier.”
The Advantages of the Heliblade
Its design is based on three principles: simplicity, agility, and lightness.
The success of the Heliblade demonstrator paves the way for a new generation of stationary platforms operating within the air-space continuum.
This new flying object will use, in its stratospheric version, ultra-light wings without spars, centrifugal force, and solar electric propulsion powered by high-tech batteries, offering structural rigidity, stability, and exceptional maneuverability.
By 2030, X721 aims to establish the Heliblade as the benchmark ultralight flying vehicle for Very High Altitude (VHA) operations.
By late 2030, it will be capable of performing prolonged stratospheric flights and eventually carrying up to 10 kilograms of payload, including cameras, sensors, or telecommunication systems.
The Heliblade is designed as an ultralight aircraft capable of being deployed anywhere in the world. Weighing less than 70 kilograms, it is easy to transport, allowing rapid deployment in almost any environment.
Key Specifications
- Quickly operational worldwide
- Deployment in less than 72 hours
- Wingspan: 50 meters
- Weight: Less than 70 kilograms
- Stratospheric ascent time: Approximately 9 hours (depending on weather conditions)
- Endurance: Several weeks to several months
- Operational temperature range: -40°C to -80°C
Proximity to Earth Enables
- Observe images or detect objects with four times the resolution using the same technology as current satellites, but without revisit time constraints.
- Listen to or intercept frequencies, analyze electromagnetic signals (communications and radar emissions), monitor the radio environment, and collect strategic data in real time.
- Communicate and act as a relay platform between fixed and mobile points on Earth, in the air, and in space.
Here, there is no need for massive infrastructure or hypergrowth; instead, the focus is on a sustainable and thoughtful economy.
Building on these advances, X721 aims to become a new player in the decarbonized digital revolution—one free from space debris.
X721 has established its French subsidiary, X721 France, in Mérignac, Nouvelle-Aquitaine.
X721 France plans to collaborate with companies specializing in:
- Solar power systems
- Electronic systems
- Artificial Intelligence (AI)
- Composite materials
- High-speed data transmission
- Other advanced aerospace technologies
A recruitment campaign aimed at both civilian and military professionals will be launched in France starting August 2026.
The success of Mission M001 takes both X721 and the Nouvelle-Aquitaine region to new heights.
X721 seeks to build business partnerships worldwide with organizations that can host the Heliblade within their facilities and support its operational and commercial development. The company aims to connect the various air and ground platforms that support modern civilization.
Looking further ahead, the technology could also support future space exploration, particularly missions within the Martian atmosphere.
According to Jean-Jacques Dordain, Chairman of the Board:
“By combining experience and inventiveness, technology and practice, X721 is well-positioned to bridge the missing link between the upper atmosphere and very low orbit—wherever and whenever there is a need to understand the reality on the ground.”