Pilot monitoring system integrated in STOL aircraft

Autoland the ultimate goal

Your next airplane may be keeping an eye on you to make sure you’re fit to fly. Polish startup Draco Aircraft has signed a deal with Mindset Technologies that will incorporate Mindset’s pilot surveillance equipment into the sport new STOL aircraft Draco is developing. At first, the tech “will warn pilots about signs of fatigue, leveraging intelligent sensors to measure e. g. eye movements or in-cockpit behavior,” Draco said in a news release. “This information makes it easier for pilots to take necessary action, on time.” Ultimately, the gear will allow an autoland system to take over entirely and put the aircraft down.

More: https://avweb.com/aviation-news/draco-to-assess-pilot-performance/

Warsaw, May 6, 2025

Draco Aircraft joins new network of European high-tech startups‚ European Union Defence Innovation Scheme‘ launched

Draco Aircraft has been chosen as one of only 39 high-tech startups throughout Europe to join a new initiative, set up by the European Union and the European Defence Fund, the EU Defence Innovation Scheme matchmaking.

The EU Defence Innovation Scheme (EUDIS) is an instrument enabled by the European Defence Fund (EDF) to strengthen defence innovation in the European Union. EUDIS offers a set of instruments for start-ups to ensure more opportunities to access the European Defence Fund and find investors. The EUDIS matchmaking program supports innovators throughout the development cycle to mature, scale-up, demonstrate their use-case, grow and successfully enter the market.

Draco Aircraft is a perfect fit for this important boost to European security and defence: ‘Draco’, a four-seater aircraft with the impressive ability to take off and land on less than 30 m, without needing a concrete runway, is not only interesting to private customers who want to enjoy the freedom to go where they want. ‘Draco’, at the same time, is a perfect tool for public customers, e. g. for border guarding or natural disaster relief missions. In addition, ‘Draco’ serves the military need for flexible transport, reconnaissance, quick intervention, rescue or drone transport, being a useful addition to a flexible defence strategy.

Johannes von Thadden, Draco Aircraft’s CEO, underlined: “It is an honor to having been chosen to this Europe-wide program, and being the first Polish company to join the EU Defence Innovation Scheme matchmaking. This decision demonstrates the Draco’s high-tech competence and its usefulness to Europe and NATO. Being part of the EU program will help us to find investors. We are ready for take-off.”

Polish aircraft manufacturing start-up, Draco Aircraft, has announced it will introduce Garmin’s advanced G500 TXi glass cockpit system into its turbine-powered HyperSTOL (short take-off and landing) aircraft.

Garmin is an American multinational technology company known for designing and developing navigation system and other GPS-related products for the aerospace industry.

More: https://www.aviationbusinessnews.com/industry-news/draco-aircraft-to-integrate-garmin-avionics-suite-and-g500-txi-glass-cockpit/

Draco Aircraft introduces Garmin avionics suit and G500 TXi glass cockpit
Next-generation avionics upgrade marks significant advancement in Draco’s capabilities

Draco Aircraft today announced the integration of Garmin's advanced G500 TXi glass cockpit system into its turbine-powered HyperSTOL aircraft. This strategic upgrade from the previous Garmin G3X Touch system represents a substantial advancement in cockpit technology and aircraft capabilities. Together with a stronger engine and a better propeller the new avionics system will make ‘Draco’ an even better aircraft than the impressive prototype built and flown by Mike Patey.

The two 10.6-inch TXi flight displays now feature an PFD/MFD with customizable Engine Indication System (EIS) data presentation. The innovative layout dedicates 20% of the screen to critical engine parameters while maximizing the remaining 80% for essential flight information. Pilots can optimize their display configuration by either utilizing the full viewing area for comprehensive moving map data or dividing it into dual 40% windows for simultaneous navigation and approach chart visualization.

Draco G500 TXi instrument panel will be compatible with Pratt & Whitney PT6A turboprop engine data and can display EIS information alongside PFD/MFD information on a single display. Features of the EIS system for turbine aircraft include engine timers, exceedance recordings, dynamic engine indications, as well as wireless data logging combining improved engine efficiency with reduced maintenance costs.

Johannes von Thadden, Draco Aircraft’s Chief Executive Officer, highlighted the significance of this upgrade: “We are excited to present the new Garmin G500 TXi glass cockpit to our state-of-the art turbine aircraft. Since Mike Patey's initial integration of the Garmin G3X Touch in 2018, this upgrade represents a significant step forward in our EASA/FAA certification journey, offering enhanced reliability, superior screen resolution, and advanced features, making Draco even more attractive to our customers.”

The Garmin avionics package includes the GTN 750Xi GPS/NAV/COMM system, integrated traffic and audio panels, ADS-B transponder, and a multi-function electronic standby instrument.

Draco Aircraft is now offering investors to join into this exciting opportunity.

about Draco:

Draco is a revolutionary HyperSTOL (Short Take-Off and Landing) aircraft designed to meet the growing demands of private users, business operators, and government entities. It features exceptional performance with a take-off roll of just 100 feet (30m) and a landing roll of 80 feet (25m) – without needing a concrete runway, with an extraordinarily low stall speed of 38 knots (70 km/h), a climb rate exceeding 20 m/s (4000 ft/min), and a flight ceiling of approximately 24,000 ft (8,000 m), making it suitable for operations in the most challenging environments. In addition to the civil Draco model, a greenDraco electric eSTOL civil aircraft model and 2 additional versions are part of the development plan: Draco for Law enforcement airborne surveillance operations and a DracoX military version in two variants for ISR/CSAR missions and light attack combat support aircraft - each designed to meet various needs and highest performance standards.

about Draco Aircraft:

Draco Aircraft is a start-up company in Warsaw, founded at the end of 2023. It holds all the intellectual property rights to the underlying aircraft 'Wilga', which are currently held by Airbus Poland. In addition, Mike Patey will transfer all modifications to Draco Aircraft with which he developed 'Wilga' into 'Draco'.
more: www.dracoaircraft.com

contact: Johannes von Thadden, johannes.von-thadden@dracoircraft.com, +48 601 203 250