Doroni Aerospace
 | |
| Industry | Airlines and Aviation |
|---|---|
| Founded | 2017 |
| Founder | Doron Merdinger |
| Headquarters | Pompano Beach, Florida |
| Website | doroni |
Doroni Aerospace is a Pompano Beach, Florida-based company specializing in electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) technology, founded in 2017 by Doron Merdinger. The company focuses on developing sustainable transportation solutions for urban air mobility and received FAA Special Airworthiness Certification for its Doroni H1 eVTOL on December 1, 2023. It has raised over $9 million through crowdfunding efforts, as seed funding phase on StartEngine. Doroni Aerospace has received local government recognition, with Pompano Beach Mayor Rex Hardin acknowledging its contributions to the regional economy. The company also collaborates with Space Florida to access industry resources and support its aerospace development initiatives.
History
Doroni Aerospace began development in 2017 with the mission of democratizing flight. Its initial prototype, dubbed the “Y,” served as a foundational design for early testing and research. By March 2018, the company had introduced the “X” prototype, which brought substantial improvements in stability and performance. Further refinements led to the finalized H1 design in 2021.
In January 2023, Doroni completed construction of its H1 prototype, achieving a major milestone in July of that year with a fast-tracked Special Airworthiness Certification from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). This certification allowed Doroni to conduct its first manned test flight, proving the vehicle’s viability in real-world conditions. Doroni Aerospace has since raised over $36 million in funding and reported more than 430 pre-orders for its H1-X model.
The company has also secured strategic partnerships, including a $30 million investment from Saudi Arabia’s Innovation Wings Industries (IWI), aimed at accelerating development and manufacturing capabilities.
Founder
Doron Merdinger is the founder and CEO of Doroni Aerospace. Born in Israel in 1968, Merdinger studied microelectronics and computer science in high school before earning degrees in Business Administration from USIU in San Diego and NYU’s Stern School of Business. Prior to entering the aerospace industry, he led his family’s Judaica company, Hazorfim, where he served as CEO and introduced computer-assisted design techniques to luxury tableware and jewelry collections.
Merdinger launched Doroni Aerospace to push the boundaries of personal mobility. Drawing on his background in precision design and technology, he has guided the company from concept to FAA-approved flight within a few short years. His vision for the company is centered on making air travel more sustainable, affordable, and accessible to the general public.
Products and Services
H1-X eVTOL
The H1-X is Doroni Aerospace’s flagship product: a two-seat electric vertical takeoff and landing vehicle designed for personal use. Capable of reaching speeds of up to 120 mph, the H1-X features a full recharge time of just 25 minutes using a standard EV charger. It requires only a valid driver’s license and a 20-hour company training course to operate, eliminating the need for a traditional pilot’s license.
The H1-X includes a joystick-based control system for ease of use, autonomous navigation, and remote-piloting capabilities. It also features advanced anti-collision sensors and a full-vehicle ballistic parachute system, emphasizing safety alongside accessibility.
Commercial Strategy
Doroni Aerospace intends to distribute its H1-X model through direct sales to first responders and law enforcement agencies, while also engaging consumers through retail showrooms, pop-up events, and online sales platforms. A showroom debut is scheduled for April 2025, followed by public roadshows and test flights.
Future Developments
The company is pursuing FAA Light Sport Aircraft (LSA) certification to pave the way for commercial availability. Under the new MOSAIC (Modernization of Special Airworthiness Certification) rules will provide a path for Doroni to fast track its certifications. Production and delivery are scheduled to begin by the end of 2026. Doroni aims to establish manufacturing operations in Saudi Arabia in partnership with Innovation Wings Industries to support global expansion.