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Airflow, the developer of a new eSTOL (electric short take-off and landing) aircraft, has received a new investor and partner in Plug Power, a leading provider of hydrogen engines and fueling solutions enabling hydrogen-powered vehicles.

Airflow’s eSTOL aircraft featured here plugged into a Plug Power company fueling station.

Airflow is a steadily rising player in the world of eSTOL, which will serve regional mobility purposes such as middle mile transport of both goods and passengers. Airflow’s aircraft in particular will be able to take-off and land within 150 feet, making it excellent for e-commerce distribution as it could even be able to land on some rooftops, and for passenger transportation between major hubs. Notably, Airflow was co-founded by former members of the Airbus Vahana project, and has already received a pre-order for 50 eSTOL aircraft from Alaskan Airline Ravn among several others for a total of $500 million in LOIs (letters of intent), even from major airlines.

Now, Airflow has taken another step in its path to full operations by partnering with and receiving investment from Plug Power, a company dedicated to providing hydrogen fuel cell engines and fueling solutions for both hydrogen-powered vehicles, and now, aircraft. Although Airflow’s eSTOL was originally designed as an all-electric battery powered aircraft, the company is now also working with Plug Power to develop hydrogen-powered version of the aircraft as well. Said Marc Ausman, Co-Founder of Airflow, “Plug Power is a welcome and natural partner in the clean aviation movement. Not only can they produce and supply affordable green hydrogen at scale, but they are at the forefront of supporting the experienced aerospace companies tackling the variety of missions and aircraft classes required to ensure our industry quickly improves its carbon footprint. ”

Ausman added, “We see hydrogen fuel cell technology as a key thrust of our next generation power systems, which along with Sustainable Aviation Fuel-based hybrid systems and advanced battery systems, allow us to provide flexibility to our customers to deliver an aircraft that best meets their individual mission needs and sustainability goals.”

A cargo version of Aifrlow’s eSTOL being unloaded.

Plug Power has already been the maker of many successful hydrogen powered systems for several years. According to a recent press release by the two companies, they will work together to adapt Plug Power’s ProGen-based hydrogen fuel cell stack specifically for aerospace applications. In Airflow’s case, this technology could extend the Airflow eSTO’Ls range to up to 500 miles with a cargo-carrying capacity of 2000 lbs.

Said Plug Power CEO Andy Marsh, “Over the last several years we’ve been increasing our commitment to the aerospace market … we know that ensuring our ProGen solutions meet the ultralightweight and rigorous certification requirements of aviation is essential to our ownership of this opportunity. In order to establish a complete ecosystem for the aviation market and enable a global transportation system powered by green hydrogen, it’s essential that we work with players across aircraft classes who deeply understand the unique applicability of hydrogen in an industry as weight-sensitive as aviation. We see the development and certification of a system for Airflow’s Part 23 aircraft as an ideal entry point into the aerospace market that enables expansion into larger aircraft programs.”

Why it’s important: Although Airflow’s eSTOL originally launched as an all-electric aircraft, the flexible design of its electric power train will allow Airflow to add a hydrogen-powered version of the aircraft to its offerings. In some mission profiles, such as those of a shorter distance, an all-electric solution might make more sense, whereas for longer, regional missions, being able to carry larger weights over greater distances may enable the highest energy efficiency. By creating both types of aircraft, Airflow will be able to serve an even broader market, especially since it has chosen an already-successful hydrogen engine maker and fuel supplier as its main partner.

Source // Airflow, Plug Power

Related:

• Airflow Receives Order for 50 eSTOL Aircraft from Ravn Alaska
• VerdeGo Aero Partners with eSTOL Developer Airflow

Jaunt Air Mobility has entered into an agreement to merge with the AIRO Group (US). Jaunt joins a group of six aerospace businesses all engaged in the next generation of Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) technologies and services. The group offers commercial, military, robotics, manned/unmanned aerial systems and multi-modal aircraft and avionics systems.

The companies will use the capital raised through the merger to support the development of the all-electric, five-seat eVTOL Jaunt aims to bring into commercial service by 2026. While several eVTOL aircraft developers, including Joby, Archer, and Lilium, have raised large amounts of capital by going public via special purpose acquisition companies (SPACs), AIRO has opted to proceed straight to an IPO on its own.

Recently, Jaunt Air Mobility was also awarded an Air Force Contract for eVTOL Noise Reduction Research. The eVTOL developer’s patented slowed rotor compound (SRC) technology decelerates the rotor once aloft (the rotor tip speed equaling the aircraft’s speed) thereby reducing drag and associated vibration. In combination with a small wing sized for cruise, this produces a lift to drag ratio equivalent to a fixed wing airplane providing an exceptionally efficient flight with very low noise – noise that is practically imperceptible in flight, according to the company. Jaunt also touts that its Journey aircraft is poised to certify to transport commercial certification requirements, ensuring the highest level of safety.

“AIRO has existing revenue in its current civilian and military operations and has historically reinvested earnings into Independent Research and Development (IRAD). Therefore, additional capital required to produce fully operational eVTOL aircraft is substantially reduced to our advantage compared with our competitors.  The current market capitalization of companies in the eVTOL space and urban air mobility platforms are very significant.  AIRO additionally delivers diversified services across the UAM/Avionics/eVTOL/Defense marketplace.  AIRO is poised to be the leading publicly traded mid-tier aerospace and defense company after the void created by acquisitions in the public marketplace,” said Dr. Chirinjeev Kathuria, Executive Chairman of AIRO.

Why it’s important: As stated by AIRO Group CEO Joe Burns: “together, Jaunt and the other AIRO Group companies offer a transformational, next generation capability for the aerospace industry that addresses high growth markets in advanced air mobility as well as leveraging technologies across markets that benefit the general, business, commercial, and the military aviation community. Additionally, we have the resources, experience, and inherent knowledge to help streamline regulatory compliance and certification among all segments.”

Source // AIRO Group press release

EHang announced via press release last week that they’re now coordinating with the Spanish National Police to explore potential use cases for AAVs in emergency and security missions. EHang also conducted an exhibition of the EHang 216 passenger-grade AAV in Spain at the Cuatro Vientos Aerodrome in Madrid, as part of Press Day of Expodronica at World Air Traffic Management Congress.

EHang and the Spanish National Police plan to work closely to use the AAV in emergency situations such as rescue, surveillance and other missions that are critical for improving the quality of life and safety of citizens. As a result of this collaboration, the Spanish National Police and EHang, together with the Polytechnic University of Valencia (“UPV”), will demonstrate how to best utilize revolutionary AAV technology through trial flights and use case analysis, thus exploring safer and more effective solutions for saving more lives.

The EHang 216 at Cuatro Vientos Aerodrome, Madrid. Image // EHang

The Chief Commissioner of the Air Vehicles Unit of Spanish National Police affirmed the collaboration with EHang and the UPV represent progress in determining the best uses of AAV for policing, “AAV technology holds the promise to significantly improve our capability in emergency and security missions, such as firefighting, accessing contaminated areas with nuclear, radiological, bacteriological or chemical risks, landing in confined areas, transporting material, and other police services that may require agile mobility. The application of the AAV technology makes the Spanish National Police a vanguard among police using AAV technology nationally and internationally.”

Victoria Xiang, CEO of EHang Spain & LATAM, emphasized that collaborating with the Spanish National Police is very important for EHang. “The application of AAVs in emergency, national security matters and the fight against the pandemic is crucial and advantageous for the public sector. Autonomous, sustainable, and efficient mobility enables the authorities to execute their tasks in an environmentally friendly manner. EHang and the Spanish National Police will work jointly to leverage this cutting-edge technology to benefit citizens and society.”

Why it’s important: A large focus of AAV implementation hones on passenger carrying operations, but the EMS and security application for the technology may be ready sooner than commercial transport, due to regulatory approvals, public and social benefit, and technological appropriateness for aerial mobility aircraft in EMS and surveillance/security roles. EHang has a track record of seeking partnership with firms that span beyond personal transport, to include fire, security, and government services. Expect the trend of AAV deployment to follow logistical applications and limited EMS/Police force arenas first, ultimately progressing to on-demand commercial.

Bye Aerospace has picked up an order deposit from European carrier, Air2E. The airline announced this week it has executed a purchase deposit agreement for the all-electric eFlyer 800 for its air taxi operations and regional airline operations in Europe.

“The eFlyer 800 is the first all-electric propulsion technology that achieves twin-turboprop performance and safety with no CO₂ and extremely low ops-cost compared to legacy turboprop aircraft.” said George E. Bye, Bye Aerospace CEO. “These legacy jet and turboprop aircraft have been solid performers in the air charter market, but at high operating cost contributing to relatively expensive prices and for a small group of business customers. Customers like the ones served by Air2E are demanding greater flexibility and cleaner, more efficient means of transportation. That’s what we aim to deliver with our all-electric eFlyer aircraft.”

“Air2E’s mission is to accelerate the transition to sustainable aviation and now with the eFlyer 800 we are another step closer to this aim.” said Norbert Werle, Air2E’s Founder and CEO. “We intend to build an eFlyer 800 fleet for our AirTaxi service, which is already today the most economical individual flight solutions available. In contrast to large airline operations, small 4 to 10-seat airplanes are the ideal size for a regional network of on-demand flights, consequently providing the fastest road to sustainable and cost-effective individual air-travel with all-electric airplanes like the eFlyer 800.”

Bye Aerospace announced the eFlyer 800 program earlier this year in response to growing demands for regional all-electric airplanes with significantly reduced operating costs, plus increased capacity and utility. The company is also in the process of obtaining FAA Part-23 certification for the eFlyer’s professional flight training mission and for the four-seat eFlyer 4 for air taxi, cargo and advanced training uses. All the company’s current and future families of aircraft feature engineering, research and electric system solutions that are specifically designed to address compelling market needs. Benefits include five-fold lower operating costs, no CO2 emissions, and substantially decreased operations noise. The company estimates eFlyer will eliminate the release of significant amounts of CO2 each year as its deliveries begin and the current general aviation fleet is replaced.

“At Air2E we see a large demand of our expanding customer base for individual air travel. Every flight generates additional funding for the further fleet expansion towards emission free, sustainable flight as soon as the eFlyer800s become available. Bye Aerospace shares the same vision and provides the ideal airplane. Now it’s time for the customers that want to save time and gain flexibility on business trips to join this pathway towards environmentally sustainable and emission free travel,” Werle said.

Why it matters: Bye receiving its first major eFlyer 800 order marks a key milestone in realizing its commercial dreams. The configuration offers operators a familiar fixed-wing platform that traditional pilots will be comfortable operating. Expect to see more customers place orders as Bye Aerospace begins flight testing and pursues certification.

Source: Bye Aerospace Press Release

CycloTech, the developer a highly unique eVTOL propulsion technology based on marine concepts, has officially announced the first public flight of an aircraft using its systems.

Concept image of an eVTOL fully using CycloTech’s propulsion and control systems.

The unique technology behind CycloTech’s concept has not yet been seen in any other aircraft concept. To both propel itself and control its position in the air, CycloTech propulsors would provide omni-directional thrust from a central fan, rather than only providing thrust in one direction as seen in other kinds of multi-copters. This kind of thrust system would afford an eVTOL aircraft even more precise control, and potentially make for smoother and more efficient rides. In addition, according to the CycloTech team, the rotors of the CycloTech system utilize the efficiency of fixed-wing concepts without depending on an integrated fixed wing.

Example of how CycloTech’s propulsion technology could also be integrated into existing eVTOL concepts to provide more precise control.

For three years, CycloTech has been refining its propulsion technology, and now the company has officially released footage of the system being used in a test flight which took place for a live audience at the DroneX Trade Show in Linz, Austria. Said Cyclotech’s CEO Hans-Georg Kinsky, “This is the moment we have been waiting for a long time. We have proven this technology is usable as a VTOL (vertical take-off and landing)-drive. With this free-flight, we have succeeded in taking an important step towards commercializing this technology.”

CycloTech says that least in part, its technology will be ready for use by commercial applications within two years. It states that it already has about 10 million Euros of investment commitments, and is already talks with drone manufacturers about strategic partnerships.

View the test flight demonstration video below:

Why it’s Important: CycloTech introduces an entirely new type of thrust system to eVTOL flight that could have significant advantages over existing models. Although it being less conventional than other systems may slow its path to certification, CycloTech’s technology could prove to be a highly useful augmentation to existing concepts, and is likely to make its way to providing complete aircraft propulsion as eVTOL aircraft become more prominent.

Source // CycloTech

Related:

• CycloTech’s Air Taxi Concept (July 2020)
• CycloTech Begins Flight Demonstrator Assembly (October 2020)

Eve Urban Air Mobility, a subsidiary of Embraer, and Aviation Management Services – Serviços Aeronáuticos Ltda (“Avantto”) have signed a Letter of Intention and announced a partnership aimed at developing the Urban Air Mobility (UAM) ecosystem in Latin America. This partnership includes an order for 100 of Eve’s electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft, as well as a collaboration to develop a new eVTOL operation in Brazil and across Latin America. Deliveries are expected to start in 2026.

Avantto and Eve will collaborate to develop new services and procedures that, together with communities and other industry stakeholders, can create a safe and scalable environment for eVTOL operations to expand. These efforts will focus on critical aspects of the passenger experience in order to design for all users, including how to maximize accessibility and inclusiveness in vertiports and eVTOL boarding operations.

Related: Ascent Partners with Embraer for 100 Eve eVTOLs

“Avantto has been a great partner for Embraer Executive Jets, and we are reinforcing this bond with a shared focus on sustainability in this next generation of transportation. The strength of Avantto’s experience in operations, coupled with their growth strategy, make an ideal partner for the future expansion of Eve’s eVTOL deployment in Brazil and across Latin America. We will work together to make sure we continue our mission to democratize aviation through increasing accessibility and affordability,” said Andre Stein, President & CEO of Eve.

Eve’s zero-emission and low noise eVTOL represents a simple and intuitive design that continues to reach development milestones, including the first flight of the engineering simulator in July 2020, and a proof of concept in October 2020. Additionally, Eve’s Urban Air Traffic Management project reached a new milestone in its collaboration with the United Kingdom’s Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) to develop a scalable environment needed to host UAM flights.

Why it’s important: Avantto has over a decade of experience developing unique software, systems, and procedures enabling the company to offer 24/7 on-call flight services for short-haul intra-city helicopter transportation to its hundreds of active members. In parallel with Embraer’s more than 50-year history of aircraft manufacturing and certification expertise, this exclusive know-how will be pivotal in the success of the EVE/Avantto partnership.

Source // Eve press release

Propulsion company Sentient Blue and UAS manufacturer blueflite announced Monday that they have signed a MoU to develop cutting edge cargo UAS with improved capabilities when compared to what is possible with UAVs using lithium polymer battery power.

The streamline diffuser in Sentient Blue’s hybrid propulsion system. Image // Sentient Blue

Sentient Blue is a propulsion developer that has a patent pending hybrid microturbine power system technology. The propulsion technology is planned to combine with blueflite’s advanced tiltrotor VTOL platform. Together, they create unique drone performance characteristics to provide an efficient platform for use in the logistics industry. The companies are developing a UAS powered by a hybrid microturbine that simultaneously reduces time for delivery and operating costs while maximizing system availability and enhancing reliability. Sentient Blue’s value proposition maintains that their hybrid technology enables increased range and endurance and allows for a wider operating envelope leveraging off the chemistry of hydrocarbon and biofuel energy sources, which are 45 to 48 times more energy dense than batteries. Possible applications range from delivery of industrial spares to disaster recovery support missions. The companies are looking forward to joining forces and changing the future of logistics.

Why it’s important: The Sentient Blue hybrid propulsion system is a fresh approach to hybrid power for UAS systems, and potential aerial mobility aircraft, which traditionally focus on either all-electric offerings or larger sized turbines integrated in hybrid systems. This approach will utilize a smaller turbine that may allow for greater compatibility across multiple aircraft designs. The collaboration with blueflite means that the system will have the opportunity to prove itself in logistical applications that are more prone to early approval and adoption than operations in a manned or passenger carrying operation would be. Additionally, the logistics sector of last-mile transport is more rapidly growing due to lesser certification requirements and human psychological barriers than the fare-paying transport portion of the advanced mobility market.

Kaman Corporation recently unveiled its KARGO UAV, a medium-lift vertical takeoff and landing (VTOL) member of a family of unmanned systems for expeditionary logistics. The innovative eVTOL has been built with the U.S. Armed Forces future operating concepts in mind, and offers a rugged design for easy transport and deployment. The system’s compact form-factor fits in a standard shipping container and is designed to be unloaded and operated by as few as two people.

The KARGO UAV is designed to provide cost-effective cargo hauling in its conformal pod or external sling load configuration, and will self-deploy with no payload up to 523 nautical miles with max lifting capacity of 800 lbs. This size and class vehicle also has multiple commercial applications and is part of a growth strategy involving a family of purpose built KARGO vehicles for multiple and repeatable missions.

Over the past six months, flight development testing of a scaled KARGO UAV demonstrator has been completed to prove out the air vehicle design, and flight testing of a full-scale autonomous vehicle is planned for 2022. The KARGO UAV leverages commercial off-the-shelf components as well as thousands of hours of automated and autonomous flight data from Kaman’s K-MAX TITAN program in order to reduce schedule and technical risk.

Also notably, Hybrid eVTOL developer Transcend Air also announced in August that it has selected Kaman Aerospace Group to build its planned Vy 400 tilt-wing aircraft, which is slated to enter service by 2025. Helicopter manufacturer Kaman will make the turbine-powered VTOL at its facility in Jacksonville, Florida. Transcend Air claims that its five-passenger, piloted aircraft will deliver per-mile direct operating costs that are one-quarter of those for medium twin helicopters with comparable cabin volumes and payloads.

Rendering of the Transcend Air Vy400 in its horizontal flight configuration.

Why it’s important: As stated by Kaman Corporation CEO Ian Walsh, “The Kaman KARGO UAV is the only system of its class that is purpose-built to provide deployed Marines, Sailors, Airmen, Soldiers, and Coast Guard autonomous resupply in the lethal, fluid combat environment that future military operations will entail or for regular logistics missions. Our deployed service men and woman have persistent logistics challenges that we are answering with this reliable, maintainable and affordable solution.”

Sources // AINonline; Inside Unmanned Systems; Kaman Corporation, Vertical Magazine

Moog, the American buyer of the SureFly eVTOL, which was originally in development by electric car maker Workhorse, has now resurfaced the SureFly aircraft by entering it into the U.S Air Force’s Agility Prime initiative.

The original SureFly pictured next to a Workhorse electric pickup truck

The Moog SureFly has been long in development, although not much news has been released about it in recent years. In December of 2019, Workhorse officially announced the sale of the SureFly project to Moog, which had been in development with Workhorse for several years. The prototype itself is impressive, having already undergone many flight tests, with a continuous flight time range of 60 minutes, and a folding rotor design that allows the Surefly to fit into storage spaces as small as a standard pickup truck.

As part of its work with the U.S Air Force, Moog will be installing a hybrid-electric propulsion system in the SureFly S250 rather than the pure-electric system it currently has, in order to increase range, as part of their efforts to explore the potential of hybrid-electric eVTOL systems. Darshan Divakaran, program manager of Agility Prime, said “As full battery electric propulsion systems still have limitations, with the SureFly aircraft, the Air Force will get a more in-depth understanding of hybrid-electric power system technology and Moog’s aircraft control system.”

Testing with the USAF will focus on vehicle aerodynamics, pilot interfaces, system safety, and airworthiness support for unmanned operations. According to Paul Stoelting, director of innovation at Moog, the SureFly could be ideal for missions ranging from battlefield resupply and casualty evacuation to humanitarian disaster response and distributed logistics.

Once the Moog Surefly receives a Military Airworthiness certification, it be able to continue its testing at a local UAS test site.

Side view of the Moog SureFly.

Why it’s important: With this latest move, Moog has entered the SureFly back onto the aerial mobility playing field. In addition, it has strategically made the decision to update the SureFly’s original design with a hybrid-electric engine rather than a purely electric one. This will allow the U.S Air Force to investigate the potential and technical attributes of hybrid-electric eVTOL aircraft in additional to pure-electric designs.

Source // eVTOL.com, Moog

Related:

• 2019 Detroit Auto Show to Host Workhorse Group’s Surefly Octocopter Exhibition
• Workhorse Finalizes Sale of SureFly to Moog Inc.

Honda has announced plans to enter the eVTOL industry with its own prototype, but with a twist. The famed automotive company plans to build a hybrid gas-electric vehicle, noting most of its competition is making bets on all-electric viability and the limited range that comes with it. Honda sees aerial mobility as one of the key markets it can enter in the coming decades, alongside robotics and space exploration.

The announcement comes as part of Honda’s 2030 Vision, a plan to create a unified corporate strategy, align its business objectives, and reimagine the future of mobility. “For Honda to continue to be a company society wants to exist even in the year 2050, when Honda will be more than 100 years old, we envisioned what we want Honda to look like in such a future. And based on that, we determined what we want to look like in the year 2030, and we summarized that as our 2030 Vision,” states their website.

Honda plans to spend $45 billion USD over the next six years on emerging technologies, an incredible commitment to the future of transportation. “Core technologies in these areas are connected to our existing businesses,” said Marcos Frommer, head of corporate communications for Honda, in a briefing with reporters, “and we are pursuing these new areas as an expansion of our core business as a mobility company.”

Frommer expanded on the company’s decision to pursue a hybrid eVTOL as opposed to an all-electric model, stating their customers would prefer greater mission ranges for intercity travel. Honda hasn’t published many technical details of its prototype, but plans to design it for a 250 mile mission. The company is targeting test flights to begin in the next 2-3 years and certification by 2030.

Why it matters: Honda joins a crowded room of other automotive companies entering into the aerial mobility market. Auto giants Toyota, GM, and Hyundai have announced plans, among others. Honda may have a small advantage over other automotive firms as it already has experience in building niche business jets and has a plethora of in-house aeronautical technical prowess.

Related:

• Hyundai is Committed to Transporting Passengers via Flying Car
• Toyota-Backed Joby Aviation Raised $590 Million in Series C Funding
• General Motors Exploring Aerial Mobility

EHang made the debut of its long-range dual-seat passenger-grade AAV VT-30 at the Jiuzhou Airport in Zhuhai, Guangdong Province, before the upcoming 13th China International Aviation and Aerospace Exhibition, also known as the Zhuhai Air Show.

VT-30 Long Range AAV. Image courtesy of EHang

The VT-30, was officially released this year in May, and is the first in EHang’s product suite that is designed for inter-city transportation. With a hybrid structure, VT-30 is designed to achieve a maximum balance of hybrid lift and push, which has the advantages of intelligent safety features, autonomous flying capabilities, cluster management, low noise and so on. The VT-30 is designed to carry two passengers, with a designed flight distance of 300km and a designed flight time of 100 minutes.

Edward Xu, Chief Strategy Officer of EHang said, “EHang will continue to innovate and improve the future Urban Air Mobility (“UAM”) ecosystem. The VT-30, which focuses on inter-city travel, will be a complement to the EHang 216, which focuses on intra-city air mobility, to bring safe, autonomous and eco-friendly air mobility for everyone.”

As a pioneer in the global UAM industry, EHang was granted two honors – the Guangdong Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (“UAV”) Industry Outstanding Contribution Award and the Guangdong UAV Social Responsibility Contribution Award – by the Guangdong General Aviation Association and the Guangdong UAV Industry Association at the 2021 2nd General Aviation Night event. These accolades reflect the industry’s recognition of EHang’s active innovation in the exploration and development of general aviation.

Watch the VT-30 video: https://youtu.be/I7mMS6Ir7qs

Why it’s important: EHang’s debut of the VT-30 reflects a larger momentum shift within the aerial mobility industry toward consideration of short to medium distance electric hybrid aircraft that are not solely designed for intracity application – since hybridized propulsion and flight control approaches are likely to be those that are deployed the soonest, the same approach toward use case – missions of 20-100 miles, for instance – has a reasonable chance of being the most lucrative offering for initial eVTOL deployment. While time will tell, an increasing number of aerial mobility companies are currently augmenting their offerings with slightly longer range autonomous air vehicles.

Source // EHang Press Release

Bristow Group is one of the world’s leading operators of helicopters provided for government and civil organizations worldwide, oil and gas customers needing offshore transportation, and search and rescue aircraft support. Its current fleet includes approximately 240 of the helicopter industry’s most modern aircraft, providing services in areas like Africa, the Americas, Australia, and several countries in Europe.

The Vertical Aerospace VA-X4 (Left) and EmbraerX’s Eve eVTOL (right) featured with Bristow’s signature branding.

Both Vertical Aerospace and EmbraerX have started to see more and more traction within the last year. After unveiling the VA-X4, Vertical Aerospace went public with a $2.2bn merger and formed partnerships with American Airlines, Virgin Atlantic, and Avalan. Meanwhile, EmbraerX’s Eve division with Ascent Air Mobility for operations in the Asia-Pacific Region, and with popular urban air mobility provider BLADE Urban Air Mobility in the U.S, which currently provides urban transportation using helicopters and fixed-wing aircraft.

Now, both companies have added yet another massive pre-order set and key partner to their growing lists. Bristow Group represents a major segment of vertical air transportation the world over. Bristow has signed an MoU with Vertical Aerospace for up to 50 eVTOL aircraft, and will not only purchase these aircraft from Vertical once available, but also will also aid Vertical with regulatory certification, infrastructure, and environmental requirements for the VA-X4. With EmbraerX, Bristow placed an order for up to 100 eVTOL aircraft, and will assist Embraer with operations development, vertiport design, regulatory development, and even autonomous operations development. According to Bristol, it will use both Vertical and EmbraerX’s new aircraft to expand into new markets for the company, including a focus on commercial air taxi flight operations.

Example of Bristow’s current large helicopter fleet

Said Bristow President and Chief Executive Officer Chris Bradshaw, “Our MOU with Vertical allows us to build upon our leadership position in the vertical transportation market for the past 70+ years and now sets the stage for the disruptive advantages of the VA-X4 with its zero carbon emissions and low operating costs for passenger transport. Our expansion into these new and existing geographic markets with sustainable, innovative and efficient vertical lift and aerial transport services will offer passengers superior regional air mobility solutions” (September 21st, 2021).

He added, “The strategic MOU (with Eve) outlines the continued development of a comprehensive UAM model between Bristow and Eve for an eVTOL that could potentially reshape the market for all electric vertical lift with zero-emissions and lower operating costs. This allows us to expand our expertise to provide sustainable, innovative and efficient vertical lift into new potential end markets” (September 23rd, 2021)

Why it’s important: With this move, Bristow is signaling its intention to transition from traditional helicopters to all-electric eVTOLs. It has demonstrated this commitment by not only placing orders, but also by partnering with Vertical and Embraer for infrastructure and regulatory development. In addition, with this move, the company is announcing its plans to expand from its current operations into the commercial eVTOL air taxi market, thus marking itself as another key company in the playing field of eVTOL air taxi operators.

Source // Bristow Group

Related:

• Vertical Aerospace to go Public with a $2.2b Merger
• Ascent Partners with Embraer for 100 Eve eVTOLs
• EmbraerX’s Eve to Provide BLADE with up to 60 eVTOL Aircraft

With a different kind of air response multicopter, Atlanta-based drone manufacturer Sonin Hybrid has unveiled a UAV (unmanned aerial vehicle) designed to be used by medical first responders. While many eVTOL companies have been announcing manned aircraft that can act as medical emergency response vehicles, Sonin-Hybrids UAV represents one of the first non-manned solutions, which has its own set of advantages.

“Well before the onset of the pandemic, we decided that police and firefighters needed this technology the most, and immediately set out to build the Recruit.” – Curtis Foster, Founder of Sonin Hybrid

Sonin Hybrid’s ‘Recruit’ can fly for more than three hours, and can reach speeds up to 140 miles per hour, 3 times faster than most commercial drones currently available. There are already smaller drones in use by police, firefighters, and government officials, but these are limited by their slower speeds and smaller battery capacities. A vehicle like the Recruit could make longer range missions possible.

Unlike its smaller cousins, the Recruit makes extended missions possible by using a patent-pending hybrid system that uses both a small gasoline-powered generator and a large lithium-ion battery. Sonin Hybrid also credits the aircraft’s extended range capabilities to its ultra-leightweight carbon fiber body. Said Curtis Foster, Founder of Sonin Hybrid, “While we were in the process of finalizing the design of our hybrid power system for drones, we realized that we could get the most range by designing our own airframe. There were plenty of commercial drones out there, but very few were specifically manufactured for first responders.”

Sonin-Hybrid’s UAV can also be used for long-range police missions.

Currently, the company is in the process of launching beta programs with several police and fire departments across the U.S.

Why it’s important: Sonin-Hybrid’s UAV represents a unique market segment in aerial mobility. It is one of the only unmanned aircraft on the market that features a hybrid power system, meaning that, although larger than many battery-powered drones, this aircraft can stay aloft for hours at a time. When combined with powerful cameras, this technology could make an immense difference when saving lives during natural disasters or medical emergencies, and could also be used for surveying, security, and a wide range of other applications.

Source // Interesting Engineering, Sonin Hybrid

Earlier this week, Airbus announced its latest iteration of its CityAirbus eVTOL aircraft, CityAirbus NextGen. The next generation prototype is the product of several years of development and incorporates lessons learned from the company’s earlier prototypes, including Vahana and CityAirbus.

“We are on a quest to co-create an entirely new market that sustainably integrates urban air mobility into cities while addressing environmental and social concerns,” said Bruno Even, Airbus Helicopters CEO, in a statement. “Airbus is convinced that the real challenges are as much about urban integration, public acceptance, and automated air traffic management, as about vehicle technology and business models. We build on all of the capabilities to deliver a safe, sustainable, and fully integrated service to society.”

The prototype features a fixed wing and a V-tail stabilizer with 8 electrical propellers. CityAirbus NextGen will have a capacity of four passengers.

“This is our fully electric four-seater,” Joerg P. Mueller, head of urban air mobility at Airbus, said during the summit. “It’s designed to the highest certification standards, in this case, its EASA SC-VTOL, and this is our answer to the urban mobility market that we see out there.”

Unlike other OEM’s, CityAirbus NextGen’s wing does not tilt, reducing design and maintenance complexity. A key design parameter for Airbus in designing NextGen was its noise footprint. CityAirbus NextGen will emit at most 70 decibels while landing and 65 while in cruise flight, which is comparable to the noise level emitted by a household vacuum cleaner.

“Noise is fundamental for such a design,” Mueller said. “We have run a number of test benches where we have set up propellers of different shapes and plate numbers, and we’ve optimized the design in that way. We have even overflown an urban area, have measured the propagation of sound in this city, and the effect it has on people on the ground, together with partners that allows us as well to see in which sense we need to optimize in such a vehicle.”

Airbus plans to fly a prototype of the CityAirbus NextGen by 2023, and predicts certification by 2025.

Why it matters: Airbus has made sustainability and aerial mobility a key vertical within its larger aerospace business. This latest prototype is the result of years of research, flight testing, and market surveys for winning configurations, resulting in a design with heightened maintainability and simplicity for operators. If the NextGen is certified by 2025, it could become a major competitor in the aerial mobility space.

Iris Automation announced last week that Doosan Mobility Innovation (DMI) is now a partner to work on the integration of its Casia detect and avoid (DAA) system with DMI’s family of hydrogen powered systems and drones. The joint solution will enable DMI’s clients to operate safer advanced missions like beyond visual line of sight (BVLOS) and accelerates the Korean manufacturer’s entrance into the US market.

Iris Automation’s Casia allows unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV) to see and react to the aviation environment around the aircraft. Casia detects other aircraft using computer-vision algorithms to classify them, makes intelligent decisions about the threat they may pose to the drone and then triggers an alert to execute maneuvers to safely avoid collisions. This same technology could also be applied to eVTOL aircraft in the future.

With its leading hydrogen-powered fuel cell technology, DMI commercial UAVs are BVLOS-capable and well suited for long endurance flight applications. Drone operations are both eco-friendly and sustainable when powered by hydrogen, as opposed to petroleum.

DMI will provide US customers with the option of Casia integrated with its drones or as a combined purchase with their stand -alone powered systems. The two companies will also collaborate on professional services to advance compliance with emerging US aircraft regulatory requirements.

Lori DeMatteis, vice president of sales & marketing at Iris Automation, stated “This partnership opens a new pathway for enterprise operators to evolve their operations from traditional platforms to sustainable and safety-focused BVLOS UAS systems that deliver real business outcomes today, while protecting their environmental and accident safety reputation.”

Why it’s important: See and avoid technology (also called detect and avoid technology) allows for greater situational awareness in both crewed and uncrewed aircraft, and this latest partnership between Iris and Doosan will allow for increased exposure of DAA technologies in operationally sensitive environments, and will add robustness to the system for any future applications to eVTOL designs in the future. What’s more, this technology will also allow more beyond visual line of sight operations of UAV’s, which is the same operational specification for the eventual aerial mobility target of widespread, BVLOS, autonomous operation of eVTOL aircraft.