At the recent Commercial UAV Conference in Las Vegas, I had the opportunity to sit down with Igal Yarmolinsky, VP of Sales at CopterPIX, an Israeli-based drone manufacturer that’s making waves in the industry. Since its founding in 2014, CopterPIX has grown from a small company into a leading provider of high-performance drones designed for both military and civilian applications. The company’s rise to prominence was marked by its exclusive contract with the Israeli Ministry of Defense, a deal that positioned CopterPIX as a serious player in the drone market.
“We started manufacturing our own drones in 2018, and since then, we’ve secured several major tenders, including one where we beat industry giants like IAI, Elbit Systems and Rafael,” Yarmolinsky explained. As a result, CopterPIX is now the exclusive supplier of drones under 25 kilograms for the Ministry of Defense through 2027.
CopterPIX’s Hybrid Parallel Drone
One of the key factors that differentiates CopterPIX from competitors is its 360-degree turnkey solution. This approach allows the company to handle all aspects of drone production in-house, from design to manufacturing, ensuring rapid customization based on customer needs. “We don’t outsource anything. Every component and system is built and integrated by our team, which allows us to offer drones that can operate in challenging conditions, such as GPS-denied environments, spoofing attempts or areas without LTE coverage,” Yarmolinsky said.
At the conference, CopterPIX unveiled its latest innovation – the Rhino hybrid parallel drone. Unlike most hybrid drones that rely primarily on electric motors, this new model combines two combustion engines with four electric motors, enabling it to lift heavier payloads over longer distances. “Right now, we can lift 20 kilograms for apx. 50Km, but by mid-2025, we’ll be able to carry up to 100 kilograms for a distance of 100 kilometers & 2 hours endurance,” Yarmolinsky noted. This advancement is expected to have far-reaching implications, particularly for industries such as oil and gas, where long-range inspections and supply deliveries are crucial to current operations.
CopterPIX’s drones boast a significant performance edge over competitors. “We guarantee at least 30% better performance compared to other drones on the market,” Yarmolinsky shared. “For example, while DJI’s Matrice 300 can stay airborne for 30 to 35 minutes, our equivalent drone can fly for up to 120 minutes with a day/night-vision camera.” This extended flight time, coupled with the ability to carry heavier payloads, gives CopterPIX a distinct advantage in both military and civilian sectors.
The company’s product line includes a diverse array of drones for applications ranging from patrolling and riot control to payload delivery. In particular, CopterPIX is exploring opportunities for its hybrid drones in industries such as logistics and infrastructure. “We’re already working with oil and gas companies, and the demand for drones that can cover vast areas and difficult terrains is only going to grow,” Yarmolinsky said.
While CopterPIX has made significant strides in Israel, the company is now focusing on expanding into international markets, with the United States as a primary target. Inclusion on the U.S. Department of Defense’s Blue UAS list—a list that facilitates procurement for U.S. government agencies—positions CopterPIX for rapid growth in the U.S.
Despite its relatively small size of just over 40 employees, CopterPIX is on track for exponential growth. The company’s revenue hit $5 million last year, and in 2024 will rise to $15 million, with a skyrocket backlog of $55 million, driven by increasing demand both inside and outside Israel.
Looking ahead, Yarmolinsky believes the Rhino hybrid parallel drone will revolutionize the logistics and defense industries. “With our drone, you can accomplish missions that would traditionally require a helicopter, but at a fraction of the cost and without risking human lives,” he said.
As CopterPIX expands its global footprint, its innovations are likely to set new standards in the drone industry. With cutting-edge technology and a growing international presence, the future looks bright for this dynamic Israeli company.
For more information, visit CopterPIX’s website.
