Month: December 2021

Throughout the last month, Kawasaki Heavy Industries has conducted, and now successfully completed, proof-of-concept (PoC) testing for unmanned cargo transport via its K-RACER-X1 unmanned vertical take-off and landing (VTOL) aircraft and delivery robot. PoC testing was purposefully conducted to solve societal issues such as labor shortages in the logistics industry.

In the demonstration that can be viewed below, a delivery robot loaded with luggage automatically boarded an unmanned VTOL aircraft, automatically flew with the delivery robot loaded, and after landing, the delivery robot automatically left and delivered the luggage. This confirmed the completely unmanned transportation of cargo in the future without human intervention.

In its Group Vision 2030, which describes the company’s future vision for 2030, Kawasaki specified three areas where it will focus its efforts: “A Safe and Secure Remotely-Connected Society,” “Near-Future Mobility” and “Energy and Environmental Solutions.” In the area of “Near-Future Mobility,” the company has been pursuing development of unmanned VTOLs, delivery robots and so on.

Kawasaki’s latest unmanned VTOL adopts improvements to an aircraft previously flight-tested in 2020. It is able to transport a 100-kilogram payload and equipped with a delivery robot loading and unloading mechanism. For its power unit, the aircraft has a Ninja H2R motorcycle supercharged engine built by Kawasaki Motors, Ltd. The delivery robot used together with the unmanned VTOL is based on a delivery robot designed to achieve smooth, stable operations even on rough and bumpy roads, developed utilizing Kawasaki’s knowledge in robotics and technologies behind the off-road capabilities of its motorcycles and side-by-sides. This delivery robot was modified to enable boarding onto an unmanned VTOL.

PoC testing simulated a continuous, interlinked sequence of unmanned delivery operations in which the delivery robot was loaded with cargo and automatically boarded the unmanned VTOL, followed by automated flight with the delivery robot onboard, and then landing, automatic delivery robot disembarkation and delivery of the cargo to the final destination. Testing was carried out with the goal of eventually taking humans out of the loop of delivery operations.

Overview of PoC testing. Credit // Kawasaki

Kawasaki’s unmanned VTOL is scheduled to be used in the Unmanned VTOL Cargo Transport Platform Development Project being carried out on commission from Ina City, Nagano Prefecture.

Why it’s important: Responding to labor shortages in the logistics industry and other challenges faced by society, Kawasaki will make use of results and information gained from its latest PoC testing to realize a rapid cargo transport system that is not affected by road-traffic conditions or topographic features.

At CES® Unveiled (Jan. 3) and CES 2022 (Jan. 5-8), SkyDrive, a Tokyo-based aero tech startup, will demonstrate its ultra-light and compact flying vehicle. Designed to vertically take off and land with superb stability, this emission-free electric vehicle enables fast and safe door-to-door transportation anywhere, including uses for emergency rescue. SkyDrive recently tested and approved its design for flight, and has advanced toward commercialization with the Japanese transportation ministry’s acceptance of its type certificate application — a major milestone that the company claims is a first for flying vehicle developers in Japan.

CES 2022 will feature Model SD-03, a demonstration model for the new, autonomous SD-05, which is currently under development and slated as a potential air taxi at the World Expo 2025 in Osaka. 

“SkyDrive’s emission-free vehicles can quickly take off from and land in your parking lot and helipads atop buildings, making door-to-door air service a realistic choice of daily urban transportation,” SkyDrive CEO Tomohiro Fukuzawa said. “We are working harder and faster than ever to make this once-in-a-century mobility revolution a reality. We cannot wait to be in Las Vegas to demonstrate the SD-03 model, which is the culmination of our expertise in drone technologies and aerodynamic engineering.” Technical specs for the SD-03 include:

SkyDrive will be on display at the following locations and times: 

Jan. 3 — CES Unveiled (Mandalay Bay Level 2) — SD-03 miniature model 

Jan. 5-8 — J-Startup Pavilion (Eureka Park) — Full-scale SD-03 for people to climb aboard

Why it’s important: The SkyDrive displays at CES Unveiled and CES will allow consumers, business, and potential users of this technology to start to gain a feel for the operating and flying experience. While there’s a large amount of buzz around “personal flying machines” or “personal aerial vehicles”, these types of aircraft are crucial to the early technological advancement of the same components that will ultimately shape the future of full-scale, on-demand aerial mobility transport aircraft. Stay tuned for other big announcements from CES coming next week.

Eve has entered into a business combination agreement with Zanite Acquisition Corp, a special purpose acquisition company focused on the aviation sector. Upon closing of the transaction, Zanite will change its name to Eve Holding, Inc. and will be listed on the New York Stock Exchange under the new ticker symbol, “EVEX” and “EVEXW.” Embraer S.A. will remain a majority stockholder with an approximately 82% equity stake in Eve Holding following the closing of the business combination, including its investment in the PIPE.

Eve’s strategic partnership with Embraer is a key competitive advantage. In connection with the transaction, Embraer has contributed its UAM-related assets, employees and IP to Eve. In addition, Embraer has granted Eve a royalty-free license to Embraer’s background IP to be used within the UAM market. Eve has access to thousands of skilled Embraer employees on a flexible, first priority basis and use of Embraer’s global infrastructure on preferred terms, pursuant to the terms of certain services agreements between Embraer and Eve. The strategic alignment with Embraer provides Eve with significant cost and execution advantages relative to other UAM participants.

“We believe that the urban air mobility market has enormous potential to expand in the coming years based on an efficient, zero-emissions transport proposition, and that with this business combination, Eve is very well positioned to become one of the major players in this segment,” said Francisco Gomes Neto, president and CEO of Embraer. “As a global aerospace company, with leadership position in multiple segments, we understand that innovation and technology play a strategic role in driving sustainable growth and redefining the future of aviation.”

“The Zanite team is extremely proud to partner with Eve and Embraer in this transaction. After an extensive search, we selected Eve because of its simple and certifiable eVTOL design, its capital efficient approach to fleet operations and Embraer’s global footprint that we believe will enable Eve to not only reach vehicle type certification, but to scale its manufacturing, support and operations globally,” said Kenn Ricci, Co-CEO of Zanite and Principal of Directional Aviation Capital, a member of Zanite’s sponsor.

Eve will be led by co-CEOs Jerry DeMuro, who most recently served as CEO of BAE Systems, Inc., and Andre Stein, who has led Eve since its inception and served in leadership roles with Embraer for more than two decades. “Urban air mobility is a transformational opportunity in the aviation sector. I joined Eve because I believe that there is no company better positioned to capitalize on the tremendous potential of this emerging market,” said Jerry DeMuro, Co-CEO. Andre Stein, Co-CEO, added, “Eve was founded on a vision to accelerate the UAM ecosystem, make safe and affordable urban air transportation available to all citizens, while reducing global carbon emissions. The transaction announced today with Zanite is a major milestone that will accelerate our strategic plan and support us in realizing our vision.”

Eve has formed a powerful network of dozens of highly respected strategic partners spanning the UAM ecosystem, including fleet operators, ride sharing partners, vertiport providers, aircraft lessors, financing partners, renewable energy providers and leaders in the defense and technology sectors. From this partner network, Eve has secured launch orders from 17 customers, via non-binding letters of intent, resulting in a pipeline of 1,735 vehicles valued at approximately $5.2 billion.

Why it matters: Eve likely closes out the year on the list of aerial mobility companies to be acquired by SPAC’s in 2021. With their majority ownership stake from Embraer and access to its intellectual property, Eve is strategically positioned to compete against the biggest names in the space. Further, Eve’s partnerships and capital from the acquisition will hopefully give it the resources needed to commercialize its UAM dreams.

With this latest agreement, Sydney Seaplanes has ordered 50 Eve aircraft from Embraer, and has furthered Sydney’s progress towards 100% electric flight in tourism and commuter flights.

EmbraerX’s ‘Eve’ eVTOL rendered flying over Sydney’s main harbor

Sydney Seaplanes, the largest seaplane operator in Australia, has made a massive commitment to the future of Sydney’s aviation by placing a pre-order for 50 of EmbraerX’s ‘Eve’ eVTOLs, and by partnering with Embraer to begin integrating air taxi operations into Greater Sydney.

The combination tourism and commuter airline has been offering flights out of Sydney Harbor since 2005, starting with a single de Haviland Beaver, and has worked its way up to serving over 27,000 passengers per year.

Said Aaron Shaw, CEO of Sydney Seaplanes, “Eve’s eVTOL technology will integrate seamlessly with our electric amphibious fleet to deliver a range of tourism and commuter journeys. Subject to community consultation, we expect some flights will operate from our iconic Rose Bay aviation terminal in Sydney Harbour. This service will have a widespread appeal which will allow us to open new routes beyond the Harbour and throughout the greater Sydney region”.

A Sydney Seaplanes aircraft flies over Sydney’s main harbor, offering both schenic and commuter flights.

Andre Stein, President & CEO of Eve Urban Air Mobility stated, “We are pleased to support Sydney Seaplanes as they seek to bring new mobility solutions to Sydney. The Greater Sydney market offers significant potential for scaled Urban Air Mobility operations, to make the most of the iconic beauty of Sydney Harbour and to improve the efficiency of movement to complement existing transport modes. Eve will support this new partnership with comprehensive solutions for aircraft operations including air traffic management solutions, maintenance, training, and other services.”

Notably, this is not the first partnership Eve has made with an Australian company. Just this month, eve also partnered with Northern Australia’s largest helicopter operator, Nautilus Aviation, also to begin integrating Eve aircraft into its fleet. In addition, Skyportz and Australian helicopter operator Microflite have also established a partnership to begin building advanced air mobility solutions for Australia, which will likely support eVTOL and electric aircraft efforts.

Initial develiveries of Eve eVTOL aircraft to Sydney Seaplanes are expected to begin by 2026.

Why it’s important: In creating a significant partnership with Sydney Seaplanes, EmbraerX’s Eve has further established roots in Australia to build its vision for aerial mobility in the country. With Australia giving such a positive reception and even governmental efforts toward all-electric flight solutions, Eve can optimistically hope to begin its first air taxi offerings in Greater Sydney.

Source // Sydney Seaplanes, Eve Air Mobility

Related:

• Nautilus and Embraer’s UAM subsidiary Eve partner to develop eVTOL ecosystem in Australia
• Skyportz and Microflite to Collaborate on Establishing Australian Vertiport Network
• Skyportz Partners with Parking Australia for Flying Taxi Infrastructure
• Avantto orders 100 eVTOL aircraft from Embraer subsidiary Eve

Archer Aviation’s ‘Maker’ eVTOL demonstrator aircraft has completed its first successful hover flight. The flight marks the completion of the company’s first full and complete systems test and validation of every hardware and software component working as intended to move the aircraft into the air.

The flight test was completed at 10.30am PT on 16 December and also resulted in the successful checkout of the company’s flight control system in flight and the end-to-end close of flight software. Now that flight has been achieved, Archer will move forward with an ongoing extensive flight test campaign into 2022 and beyond.

In November, Archer’s dedicated flight test team, consisting of experts in flight test, battery, propulsion, flight controls, and software and avionics, moved from the company’s headquarters in Palo Alto to a new flight test facility to prepare for this important milestone. Over the past two months, the team been focused on Maker’s integration and ground testing in order to prepare the aircraft for a successful first hover flight, as well as ensuring it meets the FAA’s standards  for airworthiness certification. After being fully integrated, Maker moved into its ground testing phase, which included verification of the control and propulsion systems, along with driving the motors at full power, and then putting those motors through stress testing to ensure all systems were operational and ready to withstand flight testing. After completing an untethered test, during which the Archer team verified that the entire propulsion and flight control system was functioning correctly, Archer’s flight test team approved the aircraft for its first flight.

“Everything we’ve accomplished this year, every milestone hit and partnership struck, was all with one goal in mind: developing both an aircraft and a UAM ecosystem that could scale and change the face of intra-city travel,” shared Adam Goldstein, Archer co-founder and co-CEO. “With our first hover flight now completed, we’re one major step closer to that goal and have proven that Archer can work at a fast pace without sacrificing safety or quality. Our team stands ready to continue that pace as we work toward launching an aerial ridesharing service in late 2024.”

“As an early investor in Archer, it’s been rewarding to watch Archer grow as a company and really help shape the industry. What began as a mission-driven company to change how we think of daily transportation, has today proven that passion and mission can yield incredible results,” added Marc Lore, renowned entrepreneur and first investor in Archer. “I congratulate the whole team on today’s first hover flight accomplishment and look forward to seeing the way Archer’s unique mode of transportation shapes our cities of tomorrow.”

Archer’s ‘Maker’ eVTOL as it takes to the air.

Why it’s important: As Archer moves into the new year, this testing campaign will broaden to include hover expansion, advancing Maker’s design capabilities and reaching higher altitudes. Following the hover expansion, the team will transition to full envelope development, ensuring that Maker is able to move from hover to forward flight. While expanding Maker’s test flights, Archer also plans to unveil its piloted, four-seat production-intent aircraft in 2023.

German drone delivery company Wingcopter has secured its next investment from SYNERJET Corp, a leading business aviation specialist in Latin America, with operations in Brazil, Colombia, Ecuador, Chile, Panama, and Guatemala. The new funding follows recently announced investments from Japan-based DRONE FUND as well as UBER co-founder Garrett Camp’s Expa.

SYNERJET has made the investment shortly after joining Wingcopter’s Authorized Partner Program (WAPP),

which allows companies to act as a distributor and local technical support provider for the Wingcopter 198. As an Authorized Partner, SYNERJET wants to target drone operators, logistics companies, and providers in the healthcare industry. For Wingcopter, the partnership represents an important gateway to the Latin American market and is a major milestone in its global expansion plans. The company will benefit from SYNERJET’s in-depth knowledge of the regulatory framework as well as its strong relationships and experience with local civil aviation authorities.

SYNERJET joins existing investors DRONE FUND, Expa, Xplorer Capital, Futury Capital, Hessen Kapital III, and Corecam Capital Partners in the run-up of Wingcopter’s Series B investment round in 2022.

Tom Plümmer, CEO of Wingcopter, offerred some comments on the influx of capital: “We would like to thank SYNERJET’s CEO José Brandão and the whole team for their trust in Wingcopter. Making this investment right after becoming our first Authorized Partner in Latin America shows that they understand the huge potential of what we are creating here at Wingcopter. The region offers enormous growth opportunities for both companies and we look forward to scaling across the continent together”, comments

Why it’s important: This additional capital allows for future expansion of infrastructure that supports advanced aerial mobility efforts, namely the deployment of drones that operate beyond line of site (BVLOS) in regions across the world. Continued refinement of these operational media are crucial in order to stabilize foundational technologies that eventually will allow advanced aerial mobility services to operate.

Alauda Aeronautics, creator of the high speed single-seater racing eVTOL that will be used in Airspeeder’s upcoming Grand Prix ‘flying car racing’ series, has officially established a manufacturing site for its racing aircraft.

In Adelaide, South Australia, a production facility for Alauda’s racing eVTOL aircraft will soon be built. For the location, Alauda has chosen the Australian Space Park, a new development pushed forward by the Australian government to further the country’s involvement in the growing aerospace industry. This ‘space manufacturing hub’ will be a manufacturing park dedicated to all kinds of aerospace companies and projects, and is largely co-funded by the Australian government itself.

Alauda and Airspeeder in recent months have grown ever closer to their goal of launching an all-electric eVTOL racing series, which it plans to launch in 2022. In doing so, the company means to push forward the boundaries of eVTOL technology, and promote its usefulness to the world through exhibited competition. Notably, Alauda’s team is made up of experts formerly from Ferrari, McLaren, Jaguar Land Rover, Rolls-Royce, Boeing and Airbus.

Footage of Alauda’s racing eVTOL taken during a test flight

Notably, the South Australian government hopes that the creation of the Space Park will demonstrate its commitment to growing space and eVTOL aerospace industry. Said Steven Marshall, Premier of South Australia, “The creation of the Australian space park signals our commitment to the South Australian and Australian Space Sector by bridging the gap between research and development and prototyping to production at scale.”

When speaking about Alauda directly, Premier Marshall added, “Throughout history, the aviation and automotive sectors have evolved thanks to pioneering minds like Matt Pearson (founder of Alauda) and the talented team at Alauda. We are proud to say that the future is here today and it’s unfolding in South Australia.”

Why it’s important: The designation of facilities to mass produce Alauda’s racing eVTOLs marks a very significant step forward for the company. Just this year, Alauda began to unveil even more finalized versions of its aircraft, even showcasing a remotely-piloted drag race between two of its aircraft just last month. With this latest announcement, the company draws ever closer to its goal of beginning manned races in 2022.

Source // Airspeeder, Alauda Aeronautics

Related:

• Airspeeder’s Drag Race in Australia
• Alauda Aeronautics Completes First Flights of its EXA Series eVTOL
• Nautilus and Embraer’s UAM subsidiary Eve partner to develop eVTOL ecosystem in Australia

Vertical Aerospace is slated to join Joby, Archer, and Lilium as the fourth eVTOL company to go public this year via SPAC merger. Subject to shareholder approval and the satisfaction or waiver of other closing conditions, Broadstone Acquisition Corp. expects to complete its previously announced business combination with Vertical Aerospace, raising at least $300 million in gross proceeds.

Ahead of the December 16 shareholder voting results announcement, Vertical also unveiled its new full-scale eVTOL aircraft, the VX4, in a tweet earlier this week.

Vertical’s VX4 aircraft is a four passenger, one pilot eVTOL projected to be capable of transporting a pilot and four passengers across distances of a range over 100 miles at top speeds of over 200 miles per hour, while producing minimal noise and zero operating emissions, with low cost per passenger mile.

Vertical is targeting the highest global certification for its VX4, which is expected to achieve the equivalent safety standard of a passenger jet by 2024 (based on the expected standards promulgated by the CAA and EASA).

Stephen Fitzpatrick, Founder and CEO of Vertical Aerospace said: “The closing of this listing will be a landmark moment for Vertical Aerospace. We have some of the industry’s leaders as our partners and a world-class team that can make zero emission aviation a reality. It will be fantastic to reach this milestone and I am so proud of what the team has achieved.”

Hugh Osmond, Chairman of Broadstone said: “Vertical Aerospace is revolutionizing air transport and pioneering cutting-edge technologies that will change the way that people travel – and support the path towards Net Zero. We are pleased to be in a position to close this business combination and excited for the future of Vertical Aerospace.”

Why it’s important: The upcoming business combination transaction will provide the required capital to certify Vertical’s VX4, develop a manufacturing facility, and build out the Company’s commercial platform while scaling production. The VX4 is expected to open up advanced air mobility to a whole new range of passengers and transform travel infrastructure across the globe.

Source // Vertical Aerospace press release

Aerial mobility has permeated global political spheres over the last 5 years, and is continuing to make inroads in various political theatres that are all interested in gaining access to the benefits, both personal and communal, of on-demand electric transportation for personal, EMS, logistics, and defense purposes.

The upcoming Paris Olympics are a perfect example: France is home to electric aircraft designer and manufacture Eviation, who’s Alice prototype continues to progress through flight testing and comes closer to certification and operation as a short to medium haul regional airliner with support from the EU and EASA.

In the states, a variety of organizations, such as the FAA, various state departments of transportation, and a multitude of private public partnerships are working to advance aerial mobility, leveraging never-before realized levels of investments from the tech landscape and from SPAC’s yearning to get in early and be the deciding investor in the space.

In Asia, eVTOL maker EHang is nearing certification for their 216 AAV in China, with support from the CAAC. EHang has already demonstrated a number of use cases for their family of aircraft – including firefighting applications, EMS, and on-demand aerial mobility – which have rapidly advanced to maturity.

In Singapore, German eVTOL maker Volocopter has conducted a number of demonstration flights, along with demonstrations of a Skyportz eVTOL landing pad. In Sydney, electric seaplanes are on the horizon after Vancouver, BC based Harbour Air successfully conducted a test flight of an electric DHC-2 Beaver floatplane.

While the myriad of countries outlined above represent a multifaceted regulatory environment, the consistent aspect is reasoned and developed progression towards deployment of advanced electric aerial mobility aircraft. While there is still substantial work yet to be done on the road towards these designs achieving certification, the landscape of electric aircraft and transportation looks significantly different (and improved) than it was 5 years ago.

Why it’s important: Increased presence of aerial mobility aircraft globally has spurned development of stronger political backing for advanced mobility initiatives. Further, the arena of which these developments are taking place is so vast that angel investors and product evangelists are now being replaced by the wider audience of those seeking common understanding of the next generation of mobility technology.

The UAV Leasing Company, an organization that turns a profit by leasing and selling unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV’s), has recently struck a deal with helicopter manufacturer MD Helicopters to begin selling and leasing MD’s top products.

MD Helicopters’ top VTOL product, the MD-530F scout helicopter.

The UAV Leasing company, founded in 2019, features a unique business model. Instead of creating unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), the company purchases them from renowned manufacturers and then re-sells them or leases them to government agencies in order to provide turn-key solutions.

The company’s top leased and sold products include an unmanned version of Pipistrel’s Velis Electro electric aircraft, an unmanned VTOL CH-7 helicopter platform able to carry 150kg of payload, and a ‘small scout’ VTOL designed to operate reliably in tropical climates.

The UAV Leasing Company’s lineup of unmanned aircraft offered for sale or lease.

MD Helicopters describes its top product, the MD530F, as a ‘scout attack helicopter’, which is engineered to operate effectively in ‘hot-and-high’ environments. Generally, purchasers and lesees of the MD530F (which include countries such as Ethiopia, France, Ireland, Russia, Ukraine, India, South Africa, Sweden and Switzerland) will utilize the aircraft for short law enforcement missions.

Although the MD530F is cited as a scout helicopter and has often been used as such, The UAV Leasing Company has mentioned plans to develop air taxi services with it. Particularly, the company mentions the MD530F’s “competitiveness in terms of maintenance and operating costs” as reasoning for its air taxi use case. In addition, the company is looking into hybrid propulsion VTOL platforms in order to provide for longer mission requirements.

Why it’s important: The air taxi use of the MD530F by the UAV Leasing Company is yet another example of the growing demand for short distance, technologically advanced air transport. Although the MD530F is a traditional helicopter rather than an eVTOL, its low operating costs and initial utilization will lay the foundation for introducing all-electric, autonomous aircraft into similar market applications.

Source // AIN Online, Shepard Media

Heart Aerospace, the Swedish based electric aircraft manufacturer, has selected Garmin’s G3000 avionics package for its ES-19 regional airliner.

This marks the second installation of a G3000 on an electric aircraft following Joby earlier this year. Heart Aerospace gained public attention earlier this year when US-based United Airlines announced a conditional order for 100 of its electric aircraft with options to order an additional 100 units as well.

Image: A rendering of Heart Aerospace’s 19-seat regional electric aircraft that will soon be operated United Airlines.

The G3000 is a well-known avionics suite in business and general aviation. It features multiple flight displays, touchscreen controllers, and offers a familiar interface for pilots. Now, Garmin will optimize the G300 to add increased emphasis on power management and battery usage. This new version of the G300 can even be updated in the future for further developments in the electric aircraft/eVTOL space.

Typical arrangement of the Garmin G3000 flight deck displays.

“We’re confident in Heart’s practical, market-driven approach to expanding the regional air transport market with the introduction of the first all-electric airliner,” said Carl Wolf, Garmin VP of aviation and marketing, “whose lower operating costs have the potential to enable more universal access to air travel and a broader network of short-haul flights.”

Heart Aerospace plans to develop an all-electric 19-seat aircraft to target small regional markets at a significantly lower direct operating cost as compared to turboprop/jet aircraft. The ES-19 features an all aluminum airframe and has a high-wing, T-tail configuration with four electric motors. The first model will have a range of 250 miles and is targeting entry into service in 2026.

Why it matters: Garmin has many decades of success in the aviation industry, and so is well positioned to begin making electric aircraft avionics. Its products have revolutionized avionics offerings for general aviation by offering increased ease of use and innovation over more conventional products. The G3000 will seamlessly integrate with Heart Aerospace’s configuration, and will open the door for Garmin to become an industry expert in electric aircraft interfaces.

Related:

• Surf Air Mobility to Order 150 Grand Caravan EX Aircraft for Hybrid-Electric Product Offering
• Blade Partners with magniX for Electrification of Lima Cessnas
• Harbour Air and MagniX are Partnering to Create an All-Electric Airline
• DHL Express to Order 12 Alice Electric Cargo Aircraft from Eviation
• VoltAero Signs with Airways Aviation as Launch Customer in France

Skyports, an established drone services provider, has partnered with the Massachusetts Department of Transportation’s (MassDOT) Aeronautics Division to demonstrate how its drone services could link communities across the Cape Cod region in Massachusetts.

MassDOT is investigating the uses of drones as a solution to connecting its remote communities to everyday services such as healthcare and logistics, and in particular is looking to develop a capability to provide emergency medical delivery after storms or other natural disasters. The Cape Cod region contains numerous hard to reach communities including: islands, peninsulas, and offshore energy projects where drones can provide an effective method of keeping these areas connected.

Skyports presents an ideal solution to the problem, as the operator’s drones are capable of flying safely in harsh weather conditions and are able to carry varied cargo payloads up to 100 lbs.

Skyports has been granted approval by the Federal Aviation Administration to operate beyond visual line of sight (BVLOS) flights during a week-long feasibility project. The project will guide MassDOT as it explores broader BVLOS drone operations in Massachusetts, to perform services such as rail network and road inspections.

Related: Skyports plans to develop Europe’s first vertiport in Paris

MassDOT already uses drones as part of its program to support the transportation infrastructure across the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. MassDOT’s Drone Program performs daily flights to support the MassDOT Highway, Rail and Transit, and Aeronautics Divisions, along with the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA) that operates the subway and commuter rail lines.  These flights inspect rail track, document the health of wetlands near construction sites, and map highway and airport projects. As part of these efforts, MassDOT is also looking to expand its ability to perform complex drone operations such as BVLOS flight over rail and emergency delivery to remote communities. MassDOT turned to Skyports to help define the approach to delivery operations, and to demonstrate delivery flights across Vineyard Sound, between Woods Hole on Cape Cod and the island of Martha’s Vineyard.

Why It’s Important: Expansion of BVLOS drone operations in the United States bolsters the framework of proven operations of advanced aerial mobility systems, which will allow for increases in future frequencies and a smoother path toward scaling the needs of an on demand aerial mobility network of the future. While the current implementation involves sUAS, or small drones, the infrastructure and beyond visual line of site operation methods are virtually identical to what would be required for aerial mobility passenger transport.