CAPSTONE VTOL UAS aims to replace manned helicopters for defense and humanitarian mission
Certo Secures Funding for Advanced Drone Development
Certo Aerospace Ltd, a British aerospace company based in Somerset, has announced the successful raise of over £3 million in new capital through an equity placement. The company will use the funds to accelerate the development and testing of large uncrewed air systems (UAS), designed to reduce risk-to-life in defense missions and expand the role of drones in humanitarian and disaster relief operations.
Introducing CAPSTONE: A Next-Generation VTOL UAS
Certo’s flagship aircraft, the CAPSTONE Vertical Take Off and Landing (VTOL) drone, is the largest drone currently flying regular missions in the United Kingdom. The drone uses a coaxial rotor system with two contra-rotating 5-meter blades and no tail rotor. This design improves energy efficiency and maximizes lift by eliminating the tail rotor, which typically uses up to 20% of a helicopter’s energy.
With a range of 300 miles and a flight endurance of up to eight hours, CAPSTONE can carry 300 kilograms in combined payload and fuel—matching its own dry weight. These capabilities place it among the most advanced VTOL aircraft in its weight category under UK Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) GROUP 3 regulations, which includes drones with a maximum take-off weight of 600 kilograms.
Flight Trials and Government Engagement
The CAPSTONE UAV is currently undergoing flight trials with multiple government agencies across southwest England. Testing takes place at several former military airfields, including sites previously operated by the Royal Navy, Royal Air Force, and the Army. The drone is designed to launch from both land and sea platforms, filling a gap between small multi-rotor drones and manned helicopters in terms of range and payload.
Strong Investment Backing and Global Interest
The latest equity raise exceeded expectations, reflecting growing investor confidence in the platform. “At our pre-deal valuation of £16m, we’re delighted that our original target amount was significantly oversubscribed,” said Certo’s Managing Director Justin Tooth. “This allowed us to expand the raise so that we can now further accelerate the UK flight trials of our 600kg VTOL CAPSTONE UAS and we are delighted to be showcasing two of our flying prototypes at the Future Lab exhibition at Goodwood Festival of Speed.”
This round of funding follows over $5 million in support from the U.S. Department of Defense in recent years. Certo is actively positioning the CAPSTONE platform for both UK and U.S. defense and civil UAS programs.
Certo’s chairman Jonathan Tate noted, “This raise was boosted in part by strong industry tailwinds in defence and autonomous technologies, but our impressive flying videos on social media also really helped. Investors swiftly saw that CAPSTONE is more than just another drone; it’s a highly capable, long-range multi-role unmanned helicopter.”
Public Debut at the Goodwood Festival of Speed
Certo Aerospace will showcase CAPSTONE at the 2025 Goodwood Festival of Speed, taking place July 10–13. The drone will be featured in the event’s Future Lab exhibition, presented by Randox and curated by Lucy Johnston. Future Lab highlights global innovations in space, AI, robotics, and health under the theme “Technology for a Better World.” British astronaut Tim Peake will return as the Future Lab Ambassador. Final tickets for the event are available at goodwood.com.
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Miriam McNabb is the Editor-in-Chief of DRONELIFE and CEO of JobForDrones, a professional drone services marketplace, and a fascinated observer of the emerging drone industry and the regulatory environment for drones. Miriam has penned over 3,000 articles focused on the commercial drone space and is an international speaker and recognized figure in the industry. Miriam has a degree from the University of Chicago and over 20 years of experience in high tech sales and marketing for new technologies.
For drone industry consulting or writing, Email Miriam.
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