Month: October 2023

EHang Holdings Limited “Ehang” has announced its progress towards obtaining the Production Certificate (PC) and Airworthiness Certificate (AC) for the EH216-S, its self-developed passenger-carrying Unmanned Aerial Vehicle system. This milestone has been achieved in conjunction with the Civil Aviation Administration of China (CAAC).

Under the guidance of the CAAC Central and Southern Regional Administration, EHang is diligently working to obtain their Production Certificate for the EH216-S and commence production of the EH216-S according to its Type Certificate (TC). Documentation review and practical assessments are now complete, and inspection and testing at the facility are well underway. The inaugural batch of EH216-S passenger-carrying UAVs is slated to roll off the production line in the fourth quarter of 2023, with customer deliveries set to follow.

Earlier this month on October 13th, the CAAC officially granted the Type Certificate for the EH216-S passenger-carrying aircraft. This achievement features one of the first civil aviation agencies to approve the certification of an eVTOL aircraft. The certification process for the EH216-S TC adhered to airworthiness standards originally established for manned aircraft, further affirming the ability of eVTOL aircraft to meet the same safety and performance standards.

The EH216-S TC is a world-first for passenger-carrying unmanned Electric Vertical Takeoff and Landing (eVTOL) aircraft, showcasing the CAAC’s recognition of the importance of aerial mobility aircraft within the future landscape. EHang is dedicated to continuously optimizing the product’s performance to enhance public safety.

The Type Certificate Data Sheet (TCDS), released alongside the TC, outlines the aircraft’s operational restrictions and progressive risk approach. This approach prioritizes safe operations and public accountability, ensuring the EH216-S’s introduction into urban airspace proceeds cautiously and methodically.

For the initial phase, EHang has agreed to operational limitations in consultation with the CAAC, gradually lifting restrictions to enable comprehensive unmanned commercial operations in urban areas. Stringent safety measures will include extra observers and a prohibition on flights over water, although exceptions may apply for aerial tourism, sightseeing experiences, and other low-altitude flights over certain water bodies as needed.

Why it’s important: The EH216-S has also successfully completed high-altitude test flights, confirming its capabilities for operations in challenging environments. EHang’s commitment to safety and gradual expansion of operational scenarios and altitudes is leading the way in China’s aerial mobility scene. Note that it is not determined at this time what bilateral regulatory agreements are in place that would allow EHang’s certification of the EH216-S in China to apply to other countries/agencies. To complicate matters further, the current regulatory framework for eVTOL certification is fragmented and requires additional burden on the Applicant to show compliance in a variety of methods for different system safety design criteria to meet standards for JCAB, EASA, and FAA to name a few.

LaunchPoint Electric Propulsion Solutions, Inc has announced the grant of US Patent 11,738,875 B2 – their “game-changer” in the quest to advance electric flight.

Launchpoint’s patent approval features a power-dense, efficient, and reliable propulsion system for electric aircraft. This technology has wide-ranging applications for drones and electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) vehicles, increasing the number of hybrid electric power system offerings for aerial mobility applications.

The patented LaunchPoint Hybrid Power System (HPS) extends flight durations coveted by most aircraft missions and permits increased payload for extended missions. This system combines an internal combustion engine with LaunchPoint’s dual Halbach array generator and a small battery pack to power a distributed electric drive system. It also incorporates cutting-edge energy and power management software designed for a variety of aircraft missions. In essence, the LaunchPoint HPS increases system-specific power while reducing energy storage mass. Furthermore, it excels in managing variable voltage sources, functioning as a microgrid power manager to optimize energy resources for reliable and fault-tolerant flight.

Mike Ricci, Chief Technology Officer at LaunchPoint, emphasized that the LaunchPoint HPS has been developed over a decade to meet the safety and reliability requirements of Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) and unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV). This innovative hybrid technology leverages energy-dense liquid fuel, surpassing traditional battery-only systems. It effectively extends the range and efficiency of electric aircraft, overcoming the inherent limitations of battery-only solutions.

Why it’s important: For the aerospace industry and the future of aerial mobility, this patent represents another offering in the hybrid powertrain space. LaunchPoint’s commitment to innovation and addressing the challenges of electric flight is evident in the Hybrid Power System, making it an exciting development for the sector. For those interested in learning more about LaunchPoint HPS, visit their website here. With advancements like the LaunchPoint HPS, OEMs now have higher value of choice and hybrid electric powertrains continue to become more prevalent in the aerial mobility industry.

Crisalion Mobility, a Spanish company dedicated to developing cutting-edge electric mobility solutions, has made a significant move by appointing Manuel Heredia Ortiz as its new Managing Director. With a vision of promoting efficient, safe, and sustainable transportation, Crisalion Mobility is determined to help shape the future of aerial mobility developments.

Manuel Heredia Ortiz brings a wealth of experience and expertise to the role, with a Degree in Industrial Engineering from Seville University, a PhD from the University of Sheffield, and an MBA from HEC Paris Business School. Over two decades, he has held executive positions in leading companies within the industry, where he played pivotal roles in implementing innovative solutions.

Heredia’s journey to Crisalion Mobility includes an impressive career at Airbus Defence & Space, the defense division of Airbus Group. His roles ranged from being the CEO of Airbus Poland to serving as the Vice-President of Operations for the A400M military transport aircraft. Heredia also actively contributed to various projects in the aeronautical sector related to training and new technologies.

Expressing his excitement about the new role, Manuel Heredia Ortiz stated, “It is an exciting challenge to be leading the way to the future of mobility with Crisalion Mobility, competing at the very highest level. I am delighted to be joining a team of driven, motivated professionals with a rich diversity of knowledge and curiosity that truly reflect the Crisalion project.”

Crisalion Mobility’s Founder and CEO, Carlos Poveda Rey, highlighted the company’s commitment to attracting top talent, with Heredia’s appointment being a clear reflection of that policy. Poveda Rey expressed confidence in Heredia’s ability to strengthen the company’s foundations and drive the development of advanced air and ground mobility solutions for international operators.

Why it’s important: In recent months, Crisalion Mobility has been expanding its technical and executive teams with the addition of key professionals, including Óscar Lara as Chief Operating Officer and Gustavo Rodríguez as Chief Technology Officer. These strategic appointments underscore Crisalion Mobility’s dedication to pushing the boundaries of electric mobility solutions and reaffirm its position as a leader in the industry.

Archer Aviation has just announced the successful flight of its latest aircraft, Midnight, in its ongoing flight test program. This accomplishment comes after four years of rigorous flight testing, including two years dedicated to full-scale tests with their predecessor aircraft, Maker.

Archer’s Founder and CEO, Adam Goldstein, expressed his excitement about this achievement, emphasizing the culmination of years of hard work. Goldstein stated, “This next phase of Archer’s flight test program is only possible because of the four years of flight testing we’ve done. Midnight is building on the successes of its predecessor aircraft and represents another significant step forward in Archer’s path to commercialization. The next year and a half will be focused on rapidly advancing our flight test program and electric air taxi operations as we prepare to bring Midnight to market in 2025.”

Related: Archer is constructing the world’s highest-volume eVTOL aircraft manufacturing facility

Tom Muniz, Archer’s Chief Operating Officer, who has extensive experience in the eVTOL industry, shared his perspective, saying, “Today’s milestone with Midnight marks the most significant flight to date, bringing Archer and the eVTOL industry another step closer to bringing a scalable and commercially viable aircraft to market.”

As Archer’s flight test program continues to evolve, the Midnight aircraft’s flight envelope is expected to expand rapidly in the coming months. This will enable the company to commence “for credit” testing with the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) next year, a crucial step towards bringing the aircraft into service by the target date of 2025.

Concurrently, Archer will maintain its focus on the Maker aircraft’s flight test program and simulated commercial routes. This commitment reflects Archer’s dedication to enhancing operational readiness and firmly establishing its position in the growing eVTOL industry.

Archer Aviation’s ultimate goal is to revolutionize urban travel by offering efficient electric air taxi flights that are not only safe and sustainable but also low-noise and cost-competitive with traditional ground transportation. The four-passenger, piloted Midnight aircraft, designed for rapid back-to-back flights with minimal charging time, represents a significant leap forward in achieving this vision.

Why it’s important: As Archer Aviation continues to make strides in the eVTOL industry, the successful flight of the Midnight aircraft underscores the company’s commitment to a future where urban air travel is efficient, green, and accessible. With plans to enter the market in 2025, Archer is steadily advancing the concept of urban air mobility, bringing us closer to a future where air taxis become a practical and eco-friendly alternative for urban commuters.

In a significant stride towards advancing aerial mobility, SkyDrive Inc., a prominent Japanese electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft manufacturer, has been awarded a substantial innovation grant by the Japanese government. The Ministry of Economy, Trade, and Industry (METI) has selected SkyDrive to partake in the “Next-generation Air Mobility Field” under the Small and Medium Enterprise Innovation Promotion Project (SBIR Phase 3), providing the company with a substantial sum of approximately 12.4 billion yen (equivalent to around USD 82.67 million). This grant is earmarked for the development of groundbreaking technologies aimed at fostering future social implementation, with an emphasis on reducing traffic congestion and lowering emissions.

The SBIR program is an initiative hosted by the Japanese government that supports startups working on advanced technologies that address critical societal challenges. The program encourages research and development projects that exhibit high growth potential and promise to make a positive impact on society, aligning with SkyDrive’s vision of transforming daily transportation with eVTOLs.

SkyDrive has made leading eVTOL innovations in the past years and is currently developing a two-passenger and pilot multicopter-type eVTOL aircraft with a MTOW of less than 1.5 tons. This aircraft is designed to be safe, quiet, and environmentally friendly, with a unique patent-pending rotor frame technology that enables rooftop landings, making it an accessible and cost-effective mode of transportation for different types of customers.

With this newfound substantial support from the Japanese government through the SBIR program, SkyDrive aims to meet market demands and obtain Type Certification for commercial operation within the next five years. This financial boost will accelerate the company’s research and development efforts, primarily focused on enhancing the performance, safety, and efficiency of their eVTOL aircraft. Additionally, the grant will aid in the development of new technologies and systems necessary for the successful deployment of eVTOLs, not only in Japan but also globally.

Why it’s important: With plans to commence production in collaboration with Suzuki Motor Company in the spring of 2024, SkyDrive is well on its way to realizing a future where aerial mobility becomes more commonplace. This innovation grant signifies a crucial milestone in this journey, highlighting the Japanese government’s commitment to fostering cutting-edge technologies and advancing the field of aerial mobility. As Japan embraces the future of transportation, this grant to SkyDrive is a testament to substantial dedication to driving innovation and enhancing the quality of life for Japanese citizens and travelers around the globe through aerial mobility solutions.

For more information about SkyDrive and their eVTOL technology, visit SkyDrive’s official website.

German based eVTOL developer, Lilium, has announced its first private sale of its eVTOL jet in the U.S. market in a new eVTOL maker and brokerage partnership.

In partnership with EMCJET, an industry-leading full-service aircraft brokerage and management company. EMCJET is set to be the exclusive Lilium dealer in Texas through 2030 for private sales. Under the terms of the partnership, which includes a commercial commitment to Lilium for five production slots, EMCJET will enable individuals to purchase some of the first Lilium Pioneer Edition Jets available in the U.S. market.

Lilium has stated their intial go to market strategy for its Lilium Jet will be in the private/business aviation space before moving onto commercial operators.

EMCJET, renowned for its expertise in international aircraft trading and services, is dedicated to offering customers a seamless and sophisticated experience when it comes to buying, selling, and acquiring aircraft. The Lilium Jet will be available countrywide, with the initial focus on key cities in Texas, including Austin, Houston, San Antonio, and Dallas, aligning with Texas’ commitment to sustainability, delivering efficient and eco-friendly transportation choices for residents and visitors.

“We are thrilled to partner with EMCJET as we embark on our mission to revolutionize regional air mobility in the United States. EMCJET’s proven track record of private premium market jet sales in the U.S. and managing privately owned aircraft and exceptional customer service aligns seamlessly with Lilium’s vision of delivering an unparalleled flying experience to our potential customers,” said Sebastien Borel, Chief Commercial Officer at Lilium.

“EMCJET is excited to be at the forefront of introducing Lilium’s groundbreaking eVTOL technology to the Texas and U.S. markets, said Memo Montemayor, Founder & CEO of EMCJET, “Our client-first mentality ensures that we deliver superior value and expert attention required in making sound private aviation investments and introducing our clients to the most innovative modern technology for current and future market practices. This partnership with Lilium will allow us to serve our well-established network of aviation enthusiasts with the latest technological advancements and continue to provide exceptional service and results that our clients deserve and depend on.”

Why it matters: The agreement with EMCJET marks Lilium’s fourth dealer globally. Lilium’s strategy to sign on exclusive dealers of its eVTOL jet is a unique strategy rather than selling directly to consumers/commercial operators. With this strategy however, it is easier to enter into foreign markets with brokers who understand the clientele and market trends.

Joby has announced it has delivered its first aircraft to Edwards Air Force Base approximately six months ahead of the expected 2024 delivery date.

On-base operations with Joby aircraft will be used to demonstrate a range of logistics missions, including cargo and passenger transportation, and will be operated by both Joby and U.S. Air Force personnel. In partnership with the U.S. Air Force, NASA will also use the aircraft for research focused on how these aircraft could fit into the national airspace, benefiting the entire air taxi industry.

Joby’s aircraft, which has already begun flying at Edwards AFB, is the first electric air taxi to be stationed on a U.S. military base and is believed to be the first delivery of an electric air taxi in the U.S., as part of Joby’s $131 million AFWERX Agility Prime contract with the U.S. Air Force. Joby’s current and previously completed work with the Department of Defense represents a total potential contract value of $163 million, the largest in the industry.

The Agility Prime contract includes the provisioning of up to nine aircraft to the U.S. Air Force and other federal agencies, reinforcing the U.S. government’s continued leadership in developing and adopting eVTOL technology, and ushering in a new era of electric aviation. A second aircraft is planned to be delivered to Edwards in early 2024.

“We’re proud to join the ranks of revolutionary aircraft that first demonstrated their capabilities at Edwards Air Force Base, including the first American jet fighter, the first supersonic aircraft, and many others that have pushed the boundaries of aviation technology,” said JoeBen Bevirt, Founder and CEO of Joby.

“The longstanding support of the DOD and NASA has been critical to the rapid development of electric aviation and eVTOL aircraft, and demonstrates how successful public-private partnerships can bring new technology to life at speed. Their work will have profound implications for continued American leadership in both commercial and defense aerospace technology,” he added.

Why it matters: Joby’s delivery marks the next major milestone for not only the company but aerial mobility as a whole. This event marks the first delivery of an eVTOL in the United States and the activities at Edwards AFB will pave the way to a bright future for aerial mobility in this groundbreaking public/private partnership.

Source: Joby Press Release

In a collaboration originally dating back to 2018, Volocopter and ADAC Luftrettung have taken a step towards advancing emergency medical services (EMS) through the deployment of electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft. This partnership, initiated by a feasibility study, is set to improve the way emergency medical care is delivered, significantly reducing response times and enhancing the overall effectiveness of EMS operations.

Efficient and timely emergency response is critical to saving lives in time sensitive situations. Over the past two decades, the time it takes for emergency doctors to reach incident sites has increased by around 40% in Germany, leading to longer EMS response times. Factors contributing to these delays include growing demand for services, congested urban areas, and a shortage of qualified emergency doctors.

In 2018, ADAC Luftrettung and Volocopter initiated a feasibility study to explore the potential use of eVTOL aircraft in medical missions. The study aimed to answer the pivotal question of how eVTOLs could enhance the delivery of emergency medical services.

The results of the feasibility study, published in 2020, showcased the immense potential of eVTOLs in EMS operations. Through over 26,000 simulations of aeromedical missions using Volocopter’s VoloCity air taxi aircraft, it became evident that these aircraft could extend the reach of emergency doctors, ensuring their swift availability at incident sites.

The research highlighted the possibility of establishing up to 250 multicopter sites across Germany, underlining that eVTOLs would complement, not replace, existing rescue transport helicopters and ground-based emergency doctor locations.

The success of the feasibility study culminated in ADAC Luftrettung securing two VoloCity aircraft with special yellow branding and logo for EMS operations. During the Paris Air Show in 2023, an agreement was signed for ADAC Luftrettung to purchase these aircraft, along with securing 150 more options for the next generation of eVTOLs.

In September 2023, the branded VoloCity aircraft was unveiled, symbolizing the partnership between both organizations. This development is a testament to the synergy between Volocopter and ADAC Luftrettung, with the yellow color complementing ADAC Luftrettung’s well-known “yellow angels” helicopter fleet.

Volocopter’s aircraft offer several advantages for emergency medical services, including zero in-flight emissions, reduced noise levels, simplified maintenance, and lower costs. These attributes help provide the value proposition for eVTOLs as a compelling choice for medical transportation.

The increasing public support for eVTOL integration in medical services, as highlighted by the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) and other surveys, underscores the potential bright future of eVTOLs in EMS.

Why it’s important: As Volocopter works to receive certification from EASA in 2024, the partnership with ADAC Luftrettung is set to help advance emergency medical services in Germany. The VoloCity aircraft represents a step toward realizing the vision of urban air mobility and saving lives through eVTOL solutions.

In a move that will help advance aerial mobility and provide crucial services to remote communities, Skyports Drone Services has announced their partnership with RigiTech to introduce a pioneering drone delivery project in Yeosu City, Korea. The project, supported by the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, and Transport (MoLIT), Korea Institute of Aviation Safety Technology (KIAST), and Yeosu City government, marks the dawn of a new era for inter-island drone deliveries within the coastal Yeosu region of Korea.

The Yeosu City drone project is part of a consortium that includes Skyports Drone Services Korea, Marine Drone Tech, and RGB Lab. It will conduct a series of flight trials and proof-of-concept projects aimed at improving the lives of island residents in hard-to-reach areas. This initiative, launched in June and extending until November, highlights the versatility and advantages of drone technology in enhancing welfare, accessibility, and connectivity for these communities.

During the initial phase of the project, regular flights will connect the Yeosu mainland with three islands: Gaedo, Geumodo, and Songdo, creating an airbridge that addresses the unique logistical challenges faced by island residents. Beyond merely delivering goods, the project aims to showcase the feasibility, safety, and benefits of drone operations, offering essential services such as pharmaceutical goods, restaurant food, groceries, and fresh seafood, benefiting both consumers and local businesses.

For the elderly island population, this drone delivery service opens up increased access to medical care and food supplies. The consortium will further explore the possibility of postal deliveries to bolster island residents’ connectivity and access.

The project will utilize RigiTech’s Eiger drone, a versatile light payload electric VTOL aircraft, which has long-distance beyond visual line of sight (BVLOS) capabilities. This state-of-the-art technology is designed to cater to the geographic challenges posed by the Yeosu region. It will complement the existing Skyports Drone Services fleet, which includes the Swoop Aero Kookaburra III and Kite drones, contributing to ease of scaling and also contingency planning of the operation.

Mitchell Williams, Korea Country Manager at Skyports Drone Services, expressed his enthusiasm for the partnership, highlighting the project’s potential to connect remote communities in a sustainable and meaningful way. Meanwhile, Adam Klaptocz, co-founder and CEO of RigiTech, praised the project as a reflection of their vision to establish drone delivery networks that enhance the quality of life globally.

Yeosu City officials are also enthusiastic about the project, recognizing it as a driving force in the evolution of drone mobility and a convenience-enhancing initiative for their logistically vulnerable region.

Why it’s important: As the project advances into phase two, its success in Yeosu City could serve as a template for expanding similar drone delivery services to other remote locations, further improving logistics in a use case that the aerial mobility industry can develop upon while also improving the lives of communities worldwide.

Archer Aviation recently finalized agreements with Synovus Bank and Evans General Contractors, LLC, paving the way for the financing and development of its state-of-the-art manufacturing facility located in Covington, Georgia. This facility is set to become the largest eVTOL aircraft manufacturing site globally by volume.

Construction is already underway for the initial phase of the Covington facility, encompassing approximately 350,000 square feet. This phase will support the production of up to 650 eVTOL aircraft annually. Remarkably, Archer aims to achieve this high production volume while maintaining a significantly lower manufacturing capital cost compared to its industry competitors.

The announcement secures a substantial portion of the construction costs for this first phase, with $65 million in financing. When combined with incentives offered by the state of Georgia and Archer’s partnership with Stellantis, the company is charting a path toward highly capital-efficient scaled manufacturing. This efficiency is driven, in part, by Archer’s strategic collaborations with top-tier aerospace suppliers like Honeywell and Safran, streamlining manufacturing and assembly processes for its Midnight eVTOL aircraft.

Related: Archer Announces Second Quarter Results, Raises an Additional $215M

Phase one of the high-volume manufacturing facility is scheduled for completion in 2024, aligning with the anticipated entry into service of the Midnight aircraft in 2025. Archer’s forward-looking plans also include a phase two expansion that could bring the facility’s total size to approximately 900,000 square feet, facilitating long-term production goals of over 2,000 aircraft annually.

Archer’s Founder and CEO, Adam Goldstein, emphasized the company’s leading position in the eVTOL manufacturing space. He stated, “The ability to manufacture eVTOL aircraft at scale is critical to building a successful business in this industry, and Archer continues to maintain a significant lead on this front.” Goldstein’s comments underscore Archer’s determination to become the world’s foremost eVTOL manufacturer.

In selecting Synovus Bank and Evans General Contractors, LLC as financing and development partners, Archer sought experienced companies with a track record in high-volume manufacturing facilities. Goldstein emphasized Archer’s commitment to the Covington community and its alignment with partners who share the vision of establishing the world’s preeminent eVTOL manufacturing facility on American soil.

Archer’s ultimate objective is to transform urban travel by replacing time-consuming car commutes with rapid, eco-friendly eVTOL flights. The company’s Midnight aircraft, designed for four passengers and quick turnaround times, will be produced in the Covington, GA facility before being introduced to markets in the United States and abroad.

Why it’s important: Archer Aviation’s press release is a pivotal moment in the aerial mobility industry, highlighting the industry’s progress toward mass production and the significant role eVTOLs are poised to play in future urban transportation. It demonstrates the industry’s growing maturity, financial viability, and potential to transform the way people commute and travel within urban areas.

SkyDrive Inc., a prominent Japanese electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft manufacturer, has announced renewed collaboration within their existing Suzuki Motor Corporation partnership. This partnership, established in March 2022, signifies the level of commitment from both participating companies in the growth of the aerial mobility industry. Since March of 2022 then, both companies have made considerable progress, culminating in an agreement on manufacturing in June 2023.

The cornerstone of this collaboration is the establishment of the SkyDrive Manufacturing Plant, operated by SkyDrive’s subsidiary, Sky Works Inc., in Iwata-city, Shizuoka. This facility, set to commence operations in the spring of 2024, will produce up to 100 eVTOLs per year, including the “SKYDRIVE (SD-05).” Suzuki’s involvement in this venture underscores its commitment to advancing the future of transportation.

India is a focal point for the strategic partnership’s business development efforts, with a specific emphasis on market expansion. SkyDrive and Suzuki are actively engaged in research and development, manufacturing planning, and market development, particularly in India. This venture aims to provide eVTOL solutions for areas in India frequented by tourists visiting historical sites and religious pilgrims traversing challenging terrain.

The collaboration aligns with Suzuki’s experience in India and addresses pressing concerns, including air pollution and urban congestion, through innovative eVTOL solutions. By partnering with local stakeholders and identifying suitable use cases, SkyDrive and Suzuki intend to revolutionize mobility and contribute to the mobility evolution in India.

The partnership’s achievements and innovations will be on full display at the Japan Mobility Show 2023. SkyDrive will showcase its scaled-down SKYDRIVE (SD-05) at Suzuki’s booth, offering a glimpse into the future of aerial mobility. Additionally, the event will feature the full-size SD-03 Mock-Up, symbolizing the groundbreaking mobility solutions the collaboration aims to deliver.

SkyDrive Inc., founded in 2018, has been on a remarkable journey, with the mission of leading the mobility revolution of the century. The company’s vision of making eVTOLs accessible for daily transportation is well on its way to becoming a reality. Having already achieved the first crewed flight test in Japan in 2019, SkyDrive is currently in the process of acquiring Japan Civil Aviation Bureau (JCAB) certification.

Why it’s important: The partnership with Suzuki and its participation in the Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) project at Expo 2025 Osaka, Kansai, Japan, demonstrate SkyDrive’s commitment to help shape the future of aerial mobility. With a focus on innovation and sustainability, this collaboration promises to revolutionize the way we travel.

Near Earth Autonomy and Kaman Air Vehicles have secured a contract from the U.S. Army to demonstrate a robust resupply uncrewed aerial system (UAS) capable of lifting loads exceeding 800 pounds and covering distances of over 100 miles. This innovative heavy-lift Vertical Takeoff and Landing (VTOL) UAS is poised to enhance military operations while safeguarding soldiers by reducing their exposure to hostile environments.

The U.S. Army’s decision to invest in this VTOL UAS program signals a shift away from traditional methods of resupply missions, which have often relied on smaller drones and crewed aircraft. These missions have posed considerable risks to military personnel, particularly when operating in challenging and dangerous regions. Near Earth’s expertise in autonomous flight technology and Kaman’s track record in rotorcraft and uncrewed solutions align with the Army’s vision to modernize military logistics.

Near Earth Autonomy as the prime contractor will be responsible for developing the autonomy system, a critical component that ensures mission success by offering responsive autonomy. This feature enables soldiers to concentrate on their primary duties while the UAS handles navigation, obstacle detection, and manual overrides. Importantly, the system is designed to function safely even in the presence of failures within the UAS components.

The foundation of this new UAS is Kaman’s KARGO UAV, a purpose-built autonomous VTOL aircraft capable of carrying up to 800 pounds of payload. The KARGO UAV is engineered to meet the Army’s requirements for lift capacity and endurance, with a focus on ensuring mission success, even in contested environments. Its rugged design facilitates easy transport and supports various mission profiles, including Resupply/Contested Logistics, Intelligence, Surveillance, Reconnaissance (ISR), Electronic Warfare (EW), Communications Relay (CR), and Search and Rescue (SAR).

This project represents a significant expansion of Near Earth Autonomy’s capabilities, moving from developing aerial resupply aircraft for the Marine Corps to creating an autonomous multi-mission aircraft capable of addressing diverse critical needs. Romin Dasmalchi, General Manager for the Kaman KARGO UAV business, emphasized the synergistic skills between the two companies in advancing aerial mobility solutions for military applications.

The KARGO UAV’s selection by the United States Marine Corps in 2022 for the Medium Unmanned Logistics Systems – Air (MULS-A) program marked a pivotal moment. Now, with the Army partnership, the development scope expands further, including the potential for scaling the KARGO UAV design for even larger payloads. These capabilities will be showcased at Project Convergence 2024, illustrating the UAS’s versatility in a wide array of applications, from cargo resupply to reconnaissance.

Why it’s important: The collaboration between Near Earth Autonomy and Kaman could help to advance military logistics and also the possibilities of heavy-lift VTOL UAS’ deployment commercially in a rapidly evolving landscape of aerial mobility technology.

BETA Technologies has just opened its large-scale electric aircraft manufacturing facility near Patrick Leahy Burlington International Airport in Vermont. The site is planned to produce up to 300 aircraft per year by 2027.

The 188,500-square-foot electric aircraft factory is expected to create hundreds of jobs, as BETA ramps up to full production rate in the cargo, medical, defense and passenger industries. One of the company’s earliest customers was UPS, which ordered 10 of the Alia aircraft in 2021 and reserved the right to order another 140.

Related:

• UPS and BETA Technologies to test UAE electric flight deliveries
• Joby to Build eVTOL Manufacturing Facility in Dayton, Ohio

Not only will the site churn out sustainable battery-powered aircraft, but the facility itself is constructed with a green, carbon-neutral design at the forefront. Built with 260 geothermal wells to provide energy for temperature control, along with nearly three acres of roof-mounted solar panels, the campus is claimed to achieve net-zero emissions. At the opening ceremony, Sen. Bernie Sanders touted BETA’s ability to foster a culture that focuses on combating climate change.

To date, Beta said it has flown more than 500 full-scale, piloted flights on Beta-built battery systems and conducted more than 10,000 hours of testing on electric motors produced on its pilot production lines.

Meanwhile, BETA also just announced appointment of Solvay as a primary composite material supplier; in addition to lightweight structures, Solvay will also provide qualification support and advanced materials for the production of BETA’s ALIA CTOL, electric fixed-wing aircraft, and ALIA VTOL, electric vertical takeoff and landing aircraft.

Solvay and BETA are collaborating to select and qualify a tailored suite of materials from Solvay’s broad portfolio to meet the rigorous performance and rate demands of the Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) market. Composites and specialty polymers will be used for primary and secondary structures, as well as non-structural parts, combining multifunctional integration with high strength and low weight, as well as electromagnetic interference and lightning protection.

Why it’s important: The opening of a full-scale manufacturing facility signals the reality of electric aircraft and advanced air mobility, as well as the funding that is behind many of the OEMs such as BETA. Multiple companies, including Joby Aviation, are turning a corner in their aircraft development with announcements of production sites capable of large volumes.

Photos are credited to Burlington Free Press.

Skyports Drone Services, a drone deliveries, surveys, and monitoring company, has participated in phase two of the Royal Navy Uncrewed Aerial Systems Heavy Lift Challenge (UASHLC) with Pelican Cargo, an autonomous and fully electric heavy-payload aircraft developed by Pyka, the California-based leader in industrial autonomous electric aircraft technology.

Pelican Cargo, which became part of the Skyports Drone Services fleet in early 2023, represents an advancement in uncrewed aerial systems (UAS) technology. It is the world’s largest fully automated and 100% electric cargo aircraft, capable of carrying payloads of up to 175kg over ranges of up to 350km. Designed to operate with minimal ground infrastructure, Pelican Cargo is poised to increase the efficiency of on-demand delivery networks and logistics in remote regions.

During the UASHLC, Skyports Drone Services showcased Pelican Cargo’s heavy payload capacity and extended range capabilities in front of senior members of the UK Ministry of Defence and the Royal Navy at the UASHLC test site in Predannack, Cornwall. This successful demonstration highlighted the potential for long-range beyond visual line of sight (BVLOS) flights, maritime missions, and the safe transport of medical supplies within a humanitarian aid context.

Alex Brown, Director of Skyports Drone Services, emphasized the significance of this achievement, stating, “Highly automated, heavy lift, BVLOS drone delivery operations are a gamechanger for hard-to-reach and remote places.” He added that the collaboration with Pyka and their participation in the UASHLC are driving the adoption of sustainable drone logistics solutions.

In the first phase of the challenge, Skyports Drone Services worked closely with Pyka to customize Pelican Cargo to meet the Royal Navy’s unique requirements. Ground demonstrations secured their spot in phase two, leading to live flight demonstrations that showcased the aircraft’s capabilities.

Michael Norcia, Co-founder and CEO of Pyka, expressed pride in deploying Pelican Cargo for the Royal Navy’s Heavy Lift Challenge, highlighting the technological advancements it brings to large-scale autonomous electric air cargo transportation.

Why it’s important: The UASHLC’s progressive approach has accelerated platform technologies and created opportunities for industry growth. Phase three of the UASHLC is set to commence in 2024, further exploring use cases for heavy lift uncrewed aircraft. Skyports Drone Services and Pyka’s participation in the UASHLC will help to eventually advance aerial mobility through additional data acquisition and operational experience of aircraft types that will help to shape the future of logistics and aerial mobility.