About Us
"Just as the invention of the wheel did, it sometimes happens that making objects turn results in a revolution."
Pierre-Eric Lys (Founder and CEO of X721)
ABOUT THE COMPANY X721
X721 is a young Tech company founded in 2014 by former engineers and employees from Airbus, Arianespace, and the European NewSpace sector.
Its headquarters are based in Dubai. Its main activity is focused on the design and development of new types of flying craft.
The company offers innovative technology solutions for the aerospace industry, catering to businesses seeking to capitalize on latest cutting-edge technological progress.
HELIBLADE
X721 is innovating with its unique drone.
With the capability for long-endurance flights in low altitudes and the stratosphere (20 km), its stratospheric drone is both revolutionary in its functioning and unique in its design.
This novel flying craft positions itself within the aerial-space continuum, a scarcely explored area (HALE – High Altitude Long Endurance capability).
No known word exists in the lexical and semantic fields to define this aircraft.
X721 suggests the common name 'Heliblade' to identify its invention.
The Heliblade Design
Heliblade stands out due to its innovative concept, completely different from the traditional multi-rotor drone format.
After several years of research and successful simulator and outdoor testing, the Heliblade prototype is scheduled for its maiden flight in early 2026.
It will be the lightest flying structure of its kind in relation to its dimensions.
A Little background
721 refers to flight level 721, which is 72,100 feet in aeronautical terms (roughly 23 km in altitude). This is currently the highest altitude reached by the prototype in the simulator.
The X721 vision
To increase the accessibility of missions at very high altitudes, focusing on these priorities:
Planet, society, economy: the priority, not the afterthought
An International Commercial Approach
X721 will implement a commercial approach that is simultaneously local and global, to the advantage of its customers and collaborators.
Heliblades will be marketing by sector of activity and mission managers will support its clients.
The Heliblade is a versatile flying craft for aerial and near-space missions.
As a result, the potential markets for the Heliblade are virtually limitless, catering to both private and public sectors across the globe.
X721's strength will lie in the versatility of its target markets and the diversification of its clients, for example, by joining the Horizon 2030 plans, the European Solidarity Corps programs, rescEU, OptFor-EU, civil security, meteorology and precision agriculture, the chemical and energy sectors, multi-site transportation, and more…
La production will start at a cadence of 4 units after the initial 2 successful test flights, meaning the manufacturing of 4 Heliblades per month.
X721's Inspirations : Thomas Edison and Antoine de Saint Exupéry
"Perfection is achieved, not when there is no more to add, but when there is no more to remove."
ABOUT X721 TEAM
Pierre-Eric Lys
Design
The Founder and CEO of X721.
Pierre-Eric Lys, a telecommunications engineer, by training, is an entrepreneur-inventor with experience at Thales, Airbus Defense & Space, and then in space insurance and engineering.
An entrepreneur, he subsequently founded two companies before X721.
- CEO and Founder of Spaceco LLC in Paris (France), ihe managed this company specializing in Space Insurance, from 2003 to 2008.
- Founder of Elseco Limited in Dubai in 2007, he held the chairmanship of this company specializing in Space Insurance from 2007 to 2014..
- Then in 2014, he founded and chairs the company X721 FZ LLC in Fujairah (UAE)..
A helicopter pilot and skipper, he is passionate about the technical performance of vehicles and the resistance and lightness of materials.
A competitor at heart, he knows how to surround himself with an experienced, high-performing, and motivated team that works in synergy to achieve the set objectives.
Philippe Crochat
Flight Control
A digital engineer, Philippe has applied his programming skills in major tech companies.
He is a specialist in the development of automated flight control solutions.
Victor Helies
Research and development (R&D)
His background from a graduate school specializing in aeronautical and automotive engineering equips him to develop his expertise in modeling using simulation software, as well as in feasibility analysis and the conception of aeronautical projects.
He has experience in a design office and contributes his skills in the areas of simulations and systems within X721.
An example of an academic digital simulation project investigating the different effects of a supersonic flow field around a snail.
Sylvain V
Manufacturing
Significant long-term experience in aircraft production processes and industrialization.
Olivier N
Test Pilot
Extensive experience in piloting commercial airliners and drones.
Alex
AI Engineering
Artificial Intelligence (AI), Alex designs, develops, and implements systems and applications using his "Machine Learning" algorithm.
Marie Lys
Human Resources & Administration
With her scientific background in biology, genetics, and computer science, complemented by studies in communication and business management, and further enriched by extensive professional assignments in France and Dubai within large industrial groups (Aerospace, Airbus, Thales, Siemens...), public organizations (CNES, CNRS, Météo France...), and small and medium-sized enterprises in diverse fields (scientific research, healthcare, aeronautics and space, agri-food, engineering, training...), she contributes her expertise in administration and human resources to X721.
Jacques Denavaut
Communications
After managing Arianespace's communications for 25 years, overseeing over two hundred launches in Kourou and Baikonur, and launching his agency Communications Smart, Jacques Denavaut is now extending his expertise to X721.
Thomas Desliens
With his postgraduate studies in audio-visual media and his experience as an Artistic Director and Video Editor/Music Composer, Thomas contributes his know-how to X721.