Digitalisation and automation are increasingly reshaping blue-light services, including search, rescue, and medical response by enabling faster reaction times, improved safety, and lower carbon footprints. Innovations in autonomous flight, AI-enabled sensing, and electric propulsion offer promising alternatives to traditional emergency vehicles. This article presents two Aero EDIH-supported startups- VCraft Aeronautics and Remote Aero, and how they are addressing operational challenges in emergency response with advanced aerial technology.
VCraft Aeronautics – VCraft 200: Electric eVTOL for Rapid Rescue Missions
VCraft Aeronautics, based in Ekerö, Sweden and founded in 2021 by aviation engineers with military aircraft experience, is developing the VCraft 200, a fully electric, two-seat eVTOL with tilt-rotor capability designed for first responders. The aircraft can cruise at over 250 knots, cover more than 100 km, carry up to 200 kg (440 lb) payload, and take off and land vertically from confined sites like accident zones or remote terrain.
VCraft promotes a “first on site” use case, which is a rapid deployment to accident scenes where conventional vehicles are delayed by terrain or traffic. Its electric drive significantly cuts emissions, noise, and maintenance costs compared to helicopters. Backup applications include search and rescue, medical transport to hard-to-reach areas, and payload delivery to industrial accident sites.
Supported by Aero EDIH, VCraft is advancing prototype development and planning tests to demonstrate safety, reliability, and low-cost operations in blue-light contexts. The team emphasises a lightweight, rugged design and modular structure to keep lifecycle costs and operational complexity low.
Aero EDIH Support: VCraft were granted with services from the Support to find investment and Test before invest programme.
Visit website: www.vcraft-aeronautics.com
Remote Aero – Smart Drone Systems for Sea Rescue
Remote Aero, a Swedish startup, collaborated with the Swedish Sea Rescue Society and Aero EDIH to test autonomous drone applications in sea rescue operations using the “Testing Before Investing” package. Their fixed-wing drones integrate two key innovations:
- Smart Landing Software – Using real-time wind data, the software enables more stable landings into the wind, reducing ground speed by 10–80% and improving safety during operator landings on boats or nearby vessels.
- Wide-Angle Electro-Optical Camera (no gimbal) – A lightweight vision system that delivers real-time imagery without mechanical stabilization, reducing payload weight and increasing drone endurance.
These capabilities were validated during a three-day demonstration in the Gothenburg archipelago, where prototypes were tested under realistic sea rescue conditions. Open-source code for the landing algorithm was published via the ArduPilot community, broadening impact across drone platforms globally.
Quantifiable benefits include improved landing precision, increased operational reliability under varying wind conditions, and reduced manual intervention in rescue missions. The lightweight camera enables prolonged missions with better situational awareness, critical for locating persons over water or inspecting accident zones safely.
Visit website: www.remote.aero
You can also read our Success Story about the company here.
Aero EDIH Support: Remote Aero were granted services from both the Support to find Investment and Connect to investor services.
VCraft Aeronautics and Remote Aero exemplify Aero EDIH’s focus on applying digitalisation and lightweight autonomy to critical response operations. VCraft offers a scalable, zero-emission eVTOL solution for rapid first response, while Remote Aero improves operational safety and awareness through intelligent drone systems tailored for sea rescue.
Together, these innovations point toward a future where emergency services operate with reduced environmental impact, enhanced mission reliability, and automated tools that support responders efficiently. By integrating these technologies into blue-light frameworks, Aero EDIH supports a transition toward smarter, safer, and more sustainable emergency response capabilities.
