Results for: aeromobil

AeroMobil to Present AeroMobil 6.0 VTOL Model in 2019

05 September 2019 || 4 min read

AeroMobil will be unveiling their “flight only” VTOL design, the 6.0, in late 2019. The development process for the AeroMobil 6.0 is still in the preliminary stages; company executives reported that they were currently considering the optimal capabilities of the 6.0 in three performance bands, 30 km for one to two passengers, 30-to 70 km for two passengers, or 70...

AeroMobil to Present AeroMobil 6.0 VTOL Model in 2019

05 September 2019 || 4 min read

AeroMobil will be unveiling their “flight only” VTOL design, the 6.0, in late 2019.

A conceptual rendering of the AeroMobil 5.0, their previous flying car model.

The development process for the AeroMobil 6.0 is still in the preliminary stages; company executives reported that they were currently considering the optimal capabilities of the 6.0 in three performance bands, 30 km for one to two passengers, 30-to 70 km for two passengers, or 70 km for four passengers. The final decision will most likely depend on the company’s intentions for the 6.0, whether it will be utilized for short-range urban transportation or long-range intercity transportation.

The AeroMobil 5.0

To help this process along, AeroMobil shared that they had been developing and analyzing over 50 eVTOL aircraft designs over the last 18 months. According to AeroMobil Deputy Head of Engineering Simon Bendrey, “We have a lot of expertise in assessing and developing different technology and design configurations for rotors, wings and other aircraft systems. For instance, we have developed rotor blades for the 4.0 that are around half the weight of comparable blades now being used with 300-hp engines.”

The AeroMobil 4.0

AeroMobil is currently also still in the process of releasing the market versions of their AeroMobil 4.0 and 5.0 as well. AeroMobil began the certification process under the European Union Aviation Safety Agency’s CS-23 regulations for their 4.0 flying car in December 2018, and is expecting their first flight for the aircraft soon. As for the AeroMobil 5.0, there are designs for a larger model for the 5.0, and should have a full-scale prototype available by 2025.

Why it’s important: Even with the ongoing development of previous aircraft models, AeroMobil looks to continuously improve and progress in different types of aircraft. The 6.0 will differ from previous AeroMobil models in that it will be flight-only, conveying possible interest into the air taxi market, where many various VTOL models being developed for the air taxi market only travel through the air. AeroMobil continues to innovate and find new avenues for success.

Sources // AIN

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AeroMobil Applies Flying Car for EASA Type Certificate

27 December 2018 || 3 min read

AeroMobil has taken the next step in the certification of their AeroMobil 4.0 Flying Car by applying for a Type Certificate with the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA). In 2019, AeroMobil will also seek to show compliance with the European Vehicle Certification Authority, proving both air and road-worthiness for the 4.0 Short Takeoff and Landing Flying Car. The AeroMobil 4.0...

AeroMobil Applies Flying Car for EASA Type Certificate

27 December 2018 || 3 min read

AeroMobil has taken the next step in the certification of their AeroMobil 4.0 Flying Car by applying for a Type Certificate with the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA).

In 2019, AeroMobil will also seek to show compliance with the European Vehicle Certification Authority, proving both air and road-worthiness for the 4.0 Short Takeoff and Landing Flying Car. The AeroMobil 4.0 will be certified as a non-complex airplane with a takeoff weight of less than 1200kg, according to AeroMobil’s press release.

Doug MacAndrew, CTO of AeroMobil, stated that “we are delighted to be hitting this crucial milestone on schedule as we move towards manufacturing in the upcoming years. Building a flying car is incredibly complex and understandably EASA will be incredibly thorough when they analyse the design of our flying car, because this is a pioneering area of personal transportation. We are looking forward to working with EASA on the Type Certification process and showing how we’ve been able to incorporate the best aspects of automotive and aerospace technology into one design to deliver a vehicle that is both transformative, but also very much in line with the aerospace safety and regulatory requirements that exist today.”

AeroMobil is taking an incremental approach to the flying car industry, first directing their focus toward fixed-wing aircraft that are also road worthy. The next step for the company will be VTOL-capable aircraft, like the AeroMobil 5.0.

The Slovakian company also released new renderings of the AeroMobil 3.0 and 4.0 in flight:

Why it’s important: The formal application for a type certificate with EASA indicates the confidence that AeroMobil has in their products, and also that the company is ready to work with European regulators to certify a safe, efficient, and practical vehicle. Follow the certification process of the 4.0 STOL closely in 2019, as AeroMobil should serve as a relevant barometer for the relationship between EASA and urban aviation companies.

Learn more about AeroMobil and the company’s aircraft here:

AeroMobil 5.0 VTOL

AeroMobil 4.0 STOL

25 June 2018 || < 1 min read

AeroMobil 4.0 STOL

25 June 2018 || < 1 min read

Quick Summary

The AeroMobil 4.0 STOL is AeroMobil's final STOL concept before the company moves to designing and building its 5.0 VTOL concept. Bratislava, Slovakia based AeroMobil is also currently testing its 3.0 STOL.

AeroMobil, based in Bratislava, Slovakia

Stage of Development

Preliminary Design

Prototype Build

Flight Testing

Certification

Commercially Operating

Technical Details

Size / Capacity / Weight

Automotive Dimensions – 5.9 m (L), 2.2 m (W), 1.5 m (H)
Aerospace Dimensions – 5.8 m (L), 8.8 m (WS), 1.4 m (H)
Max Take Off Weight – 960 kg (useable load 240 kg)

Power

AeroMobil custom 2.0 l turbo charged 4-cylinder boxer ICE.
Dedicated electric front wheel drive system incorporating electronic differential.
Adaptive transmission delivering both road-going functionality and direct drive during the flight.
Automotive Power – 80 kW (110 BHP) via twin E Motors
Aerospace Power – 224 kW (300 BHP) via Turbo charged ICE (Euro 6)
Direct Drive variable pitch propeller (speed 2 400 rpm)
Overall Power plant weight 110 kg

Operating Range

Automotive Range (estimated using NEDC cycle) 4.2 l / 100 km
Aerospace Max Cruise Range ~750 km @ 75 % (1 200 m, ISA)
Fuel Capacity 90 ltr (95 RON Gasoline)

Performance

Automotive – Top speed 160 kph, 0-100 kph 10 sec.
Aerospace – Vs / Vc / VD – 112 / 259 / 360 km/h
MTOW Take Off Distance ground roll / 50 ft – 397 / 595 m

Safety

Airframe Parachute System
Occupant Restraint Systems – Airbags, Pyrotechnic Load limiting seat belts.
Integral Carbon Fiber Structure & Occupant cell.
Autonomous Flight via current autopilot technology (optional)

Key Features

Full transformation into flight mode in less than 3 minutes.
Adaptive Flight control surfaces and vehicle suspension for optimal take-off and landing.
Advanced controls and avionics in both Fly and Drive mode.

Certification Basis

Automotive: EWVTA / M1 (EU) & 49 CFR 571 (US)
Aerospace: CS 23 Rev 5/ELA 1 (EU) & 14 CFR 23 Rev 5 (US)

Wheels

Wheels Wheel and tyre size front: 165 / 65 / R15 on 15jx6 rim
Wheel and tyre size rear: 145 / 65 / R15 on 15jx4.5 rim

Our Take on the AeroMobil 4.0 STOL

AeroMobil's 4.0 STOL concept is very defined, as the construction of AeroMobil's website shows. However, no target first flight date has been set yet, and the AeroMobil team is still completing testing of their 3.0 STOL prototype. The company is already accepting orders for the 4.0, and intends on utilizing lessons learned from the 4.0 to roll into their VTOL aircraft, the AeroMobil 5.0. Monitor the developments of the 3.0 STOL for a good measure of how successful the company will be moving forward.

References

The Latest News from TransportUP

AeroMobil 5.0 VTOL

25 June 2018 || < 1 min read

AeroMobil 5.0 VTOL

25 June 2018 || < 1 min read

Quick Summary

The AeroMobil 5.0 VTOL is being developed in the "Detroit of Slovakia" by Mr. Juraj Vaculík and his AeroMobil team. The 5.0 VTOL advances the company's 4.0 STOL design.

AeroMobil, based in Bratislava, Slovakia

Stage of Development

Preliminary Design

Prototype Build

Flight Testing

Certification

Commercially Operating

Technical Details

Read the AeroMobil press release announcing the 5.0 VTOL:

AeroMobil, an advanced engineering company, today announced the extension of its planned product range with the launch of the AeroMobil 5.0 VTOL (vertical take-off and landing) concept for shared mobility. Together with the AeroMobil 4.0 STOL (short take-off and landing capability), the company solves the first-to-last mile of personal air transportation, because users are able to switch smoothly between flight and driving mode.

“The multi-product strategy means we can provide urban travel with the AeroMobil 5.0 VTOL and intra-city travel with the AeroMobil 4.0 STOL. Our strategy solves the limitations of alternative VTOL concepts which are tied to dedicated landing pods rather than also using the existing road infrastructure,” said Juraj Vaculik, co-founder and CEO of AeroMobil.

The AeroMobil 5.0 VTOL concept has two electrically driven rotors to ensure safe vertical take-off with horizontal thrust being provided by an electric powered rear mounted pusher propeller. It will seat four passengers providing similar comfort and user experience as next generation electric vehicles. Each occupant will have access to a personalised inflight experience, with flight or drive data and advanced communications and media to ensure occupants stay connected while in the air or on the road.

AeroMobil’s international engineering team has more than 400 years of cumulative experience in the automotive and aerospace industries. The team has been able to develop the AeroMobil 5.0 VTOL concept and AeroMobil 4.0 STOL to meet the varied needs of private usage and future flying taxi operators. The AeroMobil 4.0 STOL is currently in the testing phase of the development and delivers efficient intra-city travel up to 700 km range, which is more than double that of most of electric VTOL passenger drone concepts due to much higher energy efficiency.

“We see flying cars as versatile vehicles that both fly and drive, which is what we will be able to offer with the AeroMobil 4.0 STOL and AeroMobil 5.0 VTOL concept. We plan to deliver the vehicles with the range needed for urban and intra-urban journeys, allowing customers to travel in any weather conditions while maximising the efficiency for flying taxi operators.” - said Douglas MacAndrew, CTO of AeroMobil.

Production of the AeroMobil 5.0 VTOL model will follow the AeroMobil 4.0 STOL roll-out which will be available in a limited series to private owners around the world in 2020. The company expects the AeroMobil 5.0 VTOL concept to be available within the next seven to ten years, in line with the reality of building and scaling the infrastructure and regulation for such innovative personal transportation.

“AeroMobil 4.0 STOL uses several patented technologies, a highly innovative combustion engine and has the benefit of using existing aerospace and automotive technology, combined in a unique way, thus achieving far greater energy efficiency, speed and range than any electric VTOL. It is also designed within existing regulation, hence enabling much sooner go-to-market in 2020 than the electric VTOL category, which in general is being mooted as ready for shipment in 2025”. – said Patrick Hessel, Chairman, AeroMobil.

The AeroMobil 5.0 VTOL conceptual design will maintain AeroMobil’s high standards for comfort and safety from the AeroMobil 4.0 STOL, which in flight mode, will be among the first flying vehicles with airbags, a frontal automotive vehicle crash structure and a parachute. Based on similar design language, it will have an instantly recognisable silhouette, with a modern and desirable exterior with a comparable footprint to a regular car.

Key Features of AeroMobil 5.0 VTOL

Vertical take-off and lift assistance motors on the tips of the wings for expanded flight performance and quality
Adaptive wings that ensure maximum efficiency in flight, improving safety and maximising electric range
Rear extension and control surface for enhanced flight control, stability and in-flight comfort
Adaptive suspension geometry for smooth landing and take-off improving occupant comfort
Battery package and drivetrain optimisation for fleet use to maximise utilisation in both urban and inter-urban use cases

Our Take on the AeroMobil 5.0

AeroMobil is currently a very busy company - they're concurrently completing testing on their 3.0 STOL, working on designing and building their 4.0 STOL, and planning for ultimate implementation of the 5.0 VTOL. Although the company has a decent pool of resources, the 5.0 VTOL is still quite far down the design pipeline as the 4.0 STOL will most likely require almost all of AeroMobil's resources. Monitor the 4.0 STOL's progress as a good barometer for the 5.0 VTOL's future success.

References

The Latest News from TransportUP

Volocopter Launches First Urban Flight in Stuttgart, Germany

September 15, 2019

Lift Aircraft to Launch Trial Flights in Austin

September 13, 2019

Jetcopter Seeks Funding For VTOL Design

September 13, 2019

Revolution.Aero 2019 Event Preview

September 13, 2019

Back to The Hangar

AeroMobil Unveils 5.0 VTOL Concept Flying Car

21 March 2018 || 2 min read

Slovakian AeroMobil unveiled plans for their flying car (dubbed the 5.0 VTOL) Wednesday, which intends to take off vertically using tilt-rotors and then transition to forward moving flight. The 5.0 VTOL can also drive on roads, thanks to its conventional automotive chassis arrangement. Here’s an artist’s rendering of the 5.0: The 5.0 is the successor to the 3.0 STOL and...

AeroMobil Flying Car Presented at Paris Air Show

25 June 2017 || 1 min read

22 June 2017 || 1 min read AeroMobil presented its $1.6 million flying car at the Paris Air Show last week. The 26-foot wings and propeller fold into the body when on the road. Consumer sales begin in 2020. Vehicle Details Max Range: 465 miles Max Speed: 100 mph Price: $1.6 million Related Links: CNet Article: https://www.cnet.com/news/flying-car-aeromobil/

Volocopter Launches First Urban Flight in Stuttgart, Germany

15 September 2019 || 4 min read

Volocopter’s flight was the highlight of Vision Smart City Mercedes-Benz hosted the event at the Mercedes-Benz Museum in Stuttgart, Germany. Vision Smart City was hosted in order to feature technical innovations and sustainable transport concepts for future mobility, including concepts of carsharing and electric vehicles, according to the official Volocopter press release. The event is also part of an initiative...

Volocopter Launches First Urban Flight in Stuttgart, Germany

15 September 2019 || 4 min read

Volocopter’s flight was the highlight of Vision Smart City

Mercedes-Benz hosted the event at the Mercedes-Benz Museum in Stuttgart, Germany. Vision Smart City was hosted in order to feature technical innovations and sustainable transport concepts for future mobility, including concepts of carsharing and electric vehicles, according to the official Volocopter press release. The event is also part of an initiative of a research project by the Technical University of Stuttgart to examine the social acceptance of air taxis. Headlining the event was Volocopter’s first urban flight of their dynamic eVTOL, which can be seen here.

Exclusive in front of the Mercedes-Benz Museum in Stuttgart: first successful urban flight of the Volocopter in Europe.
© Daimler AG

Mercedes-Benz, a partner of Volocopter, was also impressed by the showcase. According to Ola Källenius, Chairman of the Board of Management of Daimler AG and Head of Mercedes-Benz Cars, “Our partner Volocopter shows how an air taxi is turning the dream of driving into the dream of flying. At Daimler we work on the mobility of the future too. By 2022 we will have electrified the entire Mercedes-Benz portfolio. Our goal is that electrically powered cars will account for more than half of our sales by 2030. The road to climate-neutral mobility is a joint effort of companies and politics. We at Daimler a willing and ready to make our contribution.”

Thomas Strobl, Minister of the Interior, Digitization and Migration of the State of Baden-Württemberg, Ola Källenius, Chairman of the Board of Management of Daimler AG and Head of Mercedes-Benz Cars, Winfried Kretschmann, Prime Minister of the State of Baden-Württemberg, and Florian Reuter, Managing Director of Volocopter GmbH at the Event “Vision Smart City – Experiencing the mobility of the future today” in front of a model of the air taxi. (Left)
© Daimler AG

Volocopter has consistently been one of the companies furthest along in the urban air mobility industry, now working on efforts to introduce eVTOL-specific infrastructure to several key urban cities, and have also previously finished a EUR 50 million funding round this month. Florian Reuter, CEO of Volocopter GmbH, has been excited at the strides that Volocopter has been making recently. “Our Volocopter air taxis open up a completely new dimension in urban mobility,” said Reuter, “As Stuttgart has seen today, they fly safely, quietly and are fast approching the implementation stage. Volocopter air taxis are able to ease traffic congestion in major cities around the world, also here in Germany.”

Learn more about Vision Smart City here

To learn more about Volocopter, read our aircraft page here

Why it’s important: Volocopter has demonstrated not only a successful flight, but a strong relationship with Mercedes-Benz, as the automotive company has gotten increasingly involved with the former. This flight at Stuttgart was the headliner for Mercedes-Benz’s own event, with several key figures in both Mercedes-Benz and local government expressing strong confidence and interest in the future of the commercial urban air mobility market, indicating a promising place in the industry for Volocopter in the future.

Source // Volocopter Press Release