Results for: alauda
Alauda Aeronautics Completes Three-eVTOL Operations
Alauda Aeronautics recently shared that in September the company achieved a first by flying three Speeders in close proximity together in South Australia. The safety work carried out in order to achieve this milestone event was essential to Airspeeder’s mission of building a flying car motorsport where multiple craft will complete together on the same communication networks. This operational exercise...

Alauda Aeronautics Completes Three-eVTOL Operations

Alauda Aeronautics recently shared that in September the company achieved a first by flying three Speeders in close proximity together in South Australia.

The safety work carried out in order to achieve this milestone event was essential to Airspeeder’s mission of building a flying car motorsport where multiple craft will complete together on the same communication networks. This operational exercise will allow for more experience in close formation and proximity AAV operations which is crucial to the eventual rollout of large scale aerial mobility operations.
Watch Alauda’s video detailing “three speeder operations”:
Alauda sees their mission similar to that of Formula 1’s original technological advancements percolating from race cars to daily drivers, incorporating safety advances that have saved countless lives over the years while serving as the perfect proving grounds for new technologies in a controlled environment.
Why it’s important: Alauda’s three-ship operation of its Airspeeder eVTOLs is an important step for the company as they draw nearer to larger scale airspeeder races and the industry ultimately progresses towards integrated AAV ops. A number of technologies still require significant development in order to enable the necessary ops data for certification and safety evaluation activities, but Alauda’s movement toward more tightly packed eVTOLs in the sky, if only for racing at this time, is still an important step forward in the eVTOL development timeline.
Alauda Aeronautics Establishes world’s first Flying Race Car Factory
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...

Alauda Aeronautics Establishes world’s first Flying Race Car Factory

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.
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
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Alauda Aeronautics Completes First Flights of its EXA Series eVTOL
Alauda Aeronautics has completed its first flight of its EXA purpose-built racing eVTOL vehicle. In the summer of 2019 entrepreneur Matthew Pearson stated his ambition to create the world’s first racing series for electric flying cars. His mission was informed by the role racing historically played in accelerating the development of both ground and air mobility. Today, Pearson and his...

Alauda Aeronautics Completes First Flights of its EXA Series eVTOL

Alauda Aeronautics has completed its first flight of its EXA purpose-built racing eVTOL vehicle. In the summer of 2019 entrepreneur Matthew Pearson stated his ambition to create the world’s first racing series for electric flying cars. His mission was informed by the role racing historically played in accelerating the development of both ground and air mobility.
Today, Pearson and his team proudly echo the legacies of automotive and aviation pioneers like Enzo Ferrari, Karl Benz, John Alcock and Arthur Brown in making history through the first flights of a full-scale electric flying racing car, the remotely-piloted Alauda Mk3.
These historic first flights have taken place at undisclosed test locations in the deserts of South Australia under the observation of Australia’s Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA). Throughout the development process, the Alauda team has worked with the regulator to ensure compliance to all required procedures while developing robust safety protocols. The successful execution of these flights means that uncrewed electric flying car Grand Prixs will take place in 2021 at three soon-to-be-revealed international locations.
These races will see elite pilots drawn from aviation, motorsport and eSports backgrounds to remotely pilot the world’s only racing electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) craft. These pilots will remotely control their Speeders in races across electronically governed, Augmented Reality enabled sky-tracks. Audiences will watch via digital streams that show the full dynamic potential of vehicles that have greater thrust-to-weight ratio than a F15 fighter jet.
These races will rapidly hasten the arrival of eVTOL advanced air mobility craft. This technology, predicted by Morgan Stanley to be worth $1.5 trillion by 2040 is already finding potent applications in air logistics and remote medical care and has the potential to liberate cities from congestion though clean-air passenger applications like air taxis.
“EXA delivers on the promise of a future first shown in science fiction. We are proud to introduce a sport that redefines what humans and machines can achieve together. These historic first flights are just the start and we are all excited to begin a momentous new chapter in motorsport’s rich legacy.” – Matthew Pearson, Founder, Airspeeder and Alauda Aeronautics.
Alauda Aeronautics will continue to design, test, and build the racing vehicle which participate in Airspeeder racing events. Airspeeder EXA Series, previously mentioned, will begin races as early as this year, with crewed races coming in 2022.
Why it matters: By creating the world’s first racing series for electric flying cars, Alauda Aeronautics takes a leadership position in this generation’s defining mobility revolution. It does this by providing a place and a space to rapidly accelerate the development of the key safety, performance and dynamics technologies that will underpin the growth of eVTOL transportation.
Source: Alauda Aeronautics Press Release
Alauda Plans to Race Two Airspeeder Flying Cars in South Australia
The race will demonstrate the latest advancements in the Airspeeder’s hovering and maneuvering technology, and hopefully boost tourism to Coober Pedy, which has seen visitor numbers plunge during the COVID-19 pandemic. To many it may sound futuristic, but international startup Alauda Racing says it will host a full-scale flying car race in remote South Australia before the end of the year....

Alauda Plans to Race Two Airspeeder Flying Cars in South Australia

The race will demonstrate the latest advancements in the Airspeeder’s hovering and maneuvering technology, and hopefully boost tourism to Coober Pedy, which has seen visitor numbers plunge during the COVID-19 pandemic.

According to Coober Pedy Business and Tourism Association Treasurer, Debbie Clee, “it’s been extremely quiet for us because Coober Pedy is a destination in itself but also a major thoroughfare to the Northern Territory.” Photo Credit // SouthAustralia.com
To many it may sound futuristic, but international startup Alauda Racing says it will host a full-scale flying car race in remote South Australia before the end of the year. Airspeeder has been developing the cars, which use drone technology to hover and maneuver above ground. The startup’s co-founder, Matt Pearson, said despite the disruption of the coronavirus pandemic, 2020 was a big year for the industry. “With electric aviation, with the drone industry, with the autonomous vehicle industry boom — all the technology that makes autonomous electric cars possible, are making the electric flying cars industry,” he said in a recent interview.

Read more about the technical specifications of the Airspeeder in our Hangar. Credit // Electrek
The Alauda Airspeeder is a small single seater eVTOL designed for racing. According to Pearson, the vehicle is best described as a cross between an F1 car and a racing drone, and is capable of flying up to 124mph. Approximately one year ago, Alauda’s unmanned prototype of the speeder took to the skies at the Goodwood Festival of Speed in Sussex, UK. Watch the Alauda video below:
Although Alauda experienced some technical difficulties with the Airspeeder at Goodwood, the Alauda team still plans on debuting races in 2020. Said Pearson, “with early technology, these things happen.” The Alauda team explained that the error, which caused the prototype to briefly lose control, would have been impossible in a manned aircraft.
He also was able to provide more details about what we can expect to see in Coober Pedy later this year and in the near future. The race will be a display for the public, demonstrating two remote-controlled cars being put through their paces. It will be a while however, before the vehicles have drivers in them. Airspeeder has approval from the Civil Aviation Safety Authority to fly large scale, commercial drones, but is yet to negotiate a license to fly people. We’re working on that with the authorities — so not yet, but it is in process and we hope very soon we’ll have that possibility,” Mr. Pearson said.
Why it’s important: Australia has provided impressive support and infrastructure for many aerial mobility startups to begin testing their platforms in a controlled environment. Even Google and Amazon have chosen Australia for their test programs because of fairly advanced regulations. Alauda Racing hopes to capitalize on this opportunity to demonstrate a unique application of eVTOL technology that most have never fathomed possible. As an added benefit, this race is likely to draw tourism to the small town of Coober Pedy. With an extraterrestrial-style landscape, Coober Pedy will make for a thrilling backdrop to watch one of the world’s first flying car races.
Source // ABC News
Flying Car Racing in 2020? Alauda Aeronautics Thinks So
It may sounds like the stuff of science fiction, but flying car racing may come to planet Earth in 2020. Land speeder races in sci-fi movies and Formula 1 legends breaking records have excited generations of aviation, racing, and sci-fi fanatics. These same fans may now have another formidable competitor contending for their attention. The company at the center of...

Flying Car Racing in 2020? Alauda Aeronautics Thinks So

It may sounds like the stuff of science fiction, but flying car racing may come to planet Earth in 2020. Land speeder races in sci-fi movies and Formula 1 legends breaking records have excited generations of aviation, racing, and sci-fi fanatics. These same fans may now have another formidable competitor contending for their attention.
The company at the center of most of this flying car activity is Alauda Aeronautics – creator of the Alauda Airspeeder. Alauda is headquartered in Sydney, Australia, and has been working to bring racing to the skies for almost 4 years. Their Airspeeder concept builds upon the popular drone racing format and design, but takes the stakes to the next level with an increased size chassis, larger brushless DC electric motors, and a flight control system that’s designed for a “pilot” or “driver” – whichever you prefer. Here’s the teaser for their 2020 flying carGrand Prix:
Alauda’s design is familiar to that of many drone enthusiasts: a quadcopter-esque drivetrain, with each corner of the vehicle featuring two props for vertical and forward thrust. The fuselage (or body) of the Airspeeder is sleek and the cockpit is retracted towards the aft portion of the vehicle. While this may reduce forward visibility, the vehicle is safer in this configuration. Matt Pearson, founder of Alauda Aeronautics, recommitted the company to the 2020 Grand Prix bid after a 2017 Kickstarter campaign wasn’t as successful as originally intended. Now, the company is gaining momentum towards the next iteration of fundraising and progress on larger scales.

Alauda’s Airpseeder is fast, attractive, the stuff of sci-fi, but even better – being publicly displayed in the GP 2020
Why it’s important: Alauda’s 2020 GP has the potential to expose a much larger audience to eVTOL aircraft, UAM, and air taxis. By formulating a Grand Prix that leverages the familiarities of Formula 1 racing while adding the excitement of drone racing and aerial jockeying, Alauda is positioning themselves well for the future. It’s not difficult to find similar pathways to Alauda’s goal either: The Drone Racing League rose from being virtually unknown in 2015 to a globally recognized professional sport a mere two years later, with awareness continuing to increase. While Alauda isn’t there yet, they’re getting closer.
Learn more about the Alauda Airspeeder
Alauda Airspeeder Flies at Goodwood Festival of Speed
The Alauda Airspeeder is a single seater recreational eVTOL that can fly at speeds up to 124mph. On July 4th, an unmanned prototype of the speeder took to the skies at the Goodwood Festival of Speed in Sussex, UK. Watch the Alauda video here. The vision of start-up Alauda Racing is to build “a world-beating flying sports car for sale...

Alauda Airspeeder Flies at Goodwood Festival of Speed

The Alauda Airspeeder is a single seater recreational eVTOL that can fly at speeds up to 124mph. On July 4th, an unmanned prototype of the speeder took to the skies at the Goodwood Festival of Speed in Sussex, UK. Watch the Alauda video here.

Alauda Airspeeder prototype at Goodwood Festival of Speed, Sussex. Watch the full flight at Sussex here.
The vision of start-up Alauda Racing is to build “a world-beating flying sports car for sale to the public'”. Founded by Asutralia by entrepreneur Matt Pearson, the company has been making steady progress since 2018, and is backed by financial firm Equals, which sees the Airspeeder as the next evolution of traditional motorsport racing.
The Alauda Airspeeder has a top speed of 124mph, using a 500kw battery pack that currently still needs recharging every 15 minutes. Alauda envisions that air races, the first of which are tentatively scheduled for 2020, will take place about 4 meters above the ground. The airspeeder flies on a four sets of two 32-inch rotors, much like the Ehang 184 or the Workhorse Surefly.

“We’ve merged an F1 car with a racing drone and turned it into something completely new.” –Matt Pearson, Alauda Founder and CEO
Although Alauda experienced some technical difficulties with the Airspeeder at Goodwood, the Alauda team still plans on debuting races in 2020. Said Pearson, “with early technology, these things happen.” The Alauda team explained that the error, which caused the prototype to briefly lose control, would have been impossible in a manned aircraft.
Why it’s important: Alauda’s exciting application of eVTOL technology shows the many opportunities for the eVTOL industry. Although the Alauda team experienced a remote piloting error at is demonstration, the company is still making forward progress. The advent of eVTOL racing, as pursued by other companies like Assen Aero, has the potential to help eVTOLs attain societal acceptance and push performance boundaries to fully understand the physics and mechanics.
Alauda Airspeeder
Quick SummaryThe Alauda Airspeeder is a small single seater eVTOL designed for racing. According to founder Matt Pearson, the vehicle is a cross between an F1 car and a racing drone. The Airspeeder can fly up to 124mph, and will be used in Alauda's Flying Car Grand Prix Racing series. The date for the initial race in this Series is...

Alauda Airspeeder

Quick Summary
The Alauda Airspeeder is a small single seater eVTOL designed for racing. According to founder Matt Pearson, the vehicle is a cross between an F1 car and a racing drone. The Airspeeder can fly up to 124mph, and will be used in Alauda's Flying Car Grand Prix Racing series. The date for the initial race in this Series is not yet defined, and was originally planned for some time in 2020.
Alauda Aeronautics, based in Sydney, Australia
Stage of Development
Preliminary Design
Technical Details
Aircraft Type: VTOL, no fixed wing
Powerplant: 500kw Li-Po battery
Range: undisclosed
Top Speed: 200km/h (124mph)
Propeller Configuration: four sets of two 32-inch rotors
Passenger/Payload Capacity: 1 pilot, max weight 100 kg
Autonomy Level: Piloted
Wingspan/Dimensions: 3.42m x 0.9m x 4m
Additional Information
Max Altitude: 900m
Weight: 230kg
Our Take on Alauda
Alauda's development is moving forward forward with flight testing. The company had originally planned to commence Grand Prix racing in 2020 indicating its confidence in its overall progress. However, the global health pandemic and other factors have slowed the pace of developmental progress. Ultimately, Alauda is one of the few companies making headway into eVTOL racing, and even if it does not make its schedule, it's still likely to begin eVTOL racing in the near future due to the critical mass of investment and PR received.
Crisalion Mobility and Skyrisks sign agreement to collaborate on development of aerial mobility insurance policies
Crisalion Mobility, a Spanish innovator in advanced electric mobility solutions, has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Skyrisks, a global specialist in aviation insurance at the Dubai Air Show. This MoU marks the establishment of a strategic alliance that will help bring insurance policies to a new type of transportation. The signing ceremony was held at Crisalion Mobility’s booth within...

Crisalion Mobility and Skyrisks sign agreement to collaborate on development of aerial mobility insurance policies

Crisalion Mobility, a Spanish innovator in advanced electric mobility solutions, has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Skyrisks, a global specialist in aviation insurance at the Dubai Air Show. This MoU marks the establishment of a strategic alliance that will help bring insurance policies to a new type of transportation.

The signing ceremony was held at Crisalion Mobility’s booth within the Advanced Air Mobility Pavilion at the Dubai Air Show and brought together key figures from both companies, including Crisalion Mobility’s COO, Óscar Lara Rapp, and Skyrisks’ CEO, Alistair Blundy.
Under this partnership, Crisalion Mobility, recognized for its prowess in eVTOL design and development, joins forces with Skyrisks, a player in aviation insurance solutions. Together, they aim to pioneer new avenues in eVTOL insurance, addressing the unique challenges posed by the rapidly evolving world of aerial mobility.
This collaborative MoU has multiple objectives; firstly, the two entities will explore frameworks for effective collaboration between eVTOL original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) and insurance companies. They will assess critical parameters for eVTOL insurability, propose methodologies for measurement, and delve into the drivers of insurance costs and how design choices impact them. Furthermore, the partnership will investigate insurance methodologies tailored to the various phases of eVTOL development, from design and testing to prototyping, certification, and operational stages.
One of the pivotal aspects of this partnership is the sharing of specialized insights and technical data between Crisalion Mobility and Skyrisks. This data exchange will enable accurate risk assessment and the creation of insurance policies that cater to the diverse needs of all stakeholders involved in the eVTOL ecosystem.
The alliance between Crisalion Mobility and Skyrisks represents a major step towards bridging the gap in the eVTOL industry, where a harmonious understanding between manufacturers and insurers is indispensable. This partnership not only aims to set industry standards but also strives to foster a proactive approach to eVTOL insurability.
Óscar Lara Rapp, COO of Crisalion Mobility, emphasizes the importance of the MoU: “From the very inception of our Integrity eVTOL’s design, our commitment to efficient insurance coverage has been paramount. This collaboration with Skyrisks marks a pivotal agreement, where our dedication to minimizing operating costs while preserving quality for our customers aligns seamlessly with their disruptive insurance expertise.”
Alistair Blundy, CEO of Skyrisks, adds, “Electric aviation promises to have a lasting positive impact on the world by offering safe, efficient, and affordable travel. Issues of insurance and risk are at the heart of commercial success, which is why Crisalion and Skyrisks are partnering in the development of AAM insurance. We are drawing on each other’s varied expertise as we analyze emerging risks and create insurance that helps propel the industry to global success.”
Why it’s important: This partnership between Crisalion Mobility and Skyrisks is one of the first made public partnerships specifically focused on eVTOL insurance. As momentum builds for future mobility offerings, the services side of the industry will continue to grow as commercially democratized aviation and connectivity become more commonplace.
Lilium Receives DOA to Receive Type Certificate from EASA
Lilium has announced that it has received Design Organization Approval from its primary regulatory authority, the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA). The award marks a major milestone for Lilium, positioning it at the forefront of the industry as a company authorized to hold a type-certificate for an eVTOL aircraft in Europe. According to Lilium’s Design Organization Approval, Lilium is...

Lilium Receives DOA to Receive Type Certificate from EASA

Lilium has announced that it has received Design Organization Approval from its primary regulatory authority, the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA). The award marks a major milestone for Lilium, positioning it at the forefront of the industry as a company authorized to hold a type-certificate for an eVTOL aircraft in Europe.
According to Lilium’s Design Organization Approval, Lilium is qualified to design and be a type certificate holder for aircraft developed according to EASA’s SC-VTOL rules, the comprehensive set of eVTOL requirements that EASA finalized in 2019 and which represent the highest safety objectives globally for eVTOL aircraft.
Klaus Roewe, Lilium CEO, commented: “In many respects, today’s announcement marks a cornerstone for Lilium and evidences our market leadership in advancing the aviation industry. Achieving Design Organization Approval reflects EASA’s confidence in Lilium and differentiates us against others currently pursuing eVTOL development and regulatory approval. While we join a small, select group of companies qualified to develop commercial aircraft, today’s announcement is especially significant for the global aviation industry as we are doing so by advancing sustainable regional air mobility. I appreciate the many Lilians and countless stakeholders who have played a pivotal role in us achieving today’s milestone, and we look forward to further advancements toward the commercialization of the Lilium Jet. I would like to thank our counterparts at EASA for their professional cooperation, which I believe will continue to be very beneficial for the industry moving forward.”
Alastair McIntosh, Lilium Chief Technology Officer and Head of Design Organisation, added: “In simple terms, the Design Organization Approval is our Licence to Operate and confirms that Lilium has the organization, procedures, competencies, resources, and demonstrated rigor required to design and certify aircraft according to the very highest safety standards. This pays great tribute to our team at Lilium. Receiving Design Organization Approval from EASA further motivates us on our path to commercialize the revolutionary Lilium Jet.”
Bhavesh Mandalia, Lilium Chief Airworthiness Officer and Deputy CTO, commented: “Today’s announcement has been more than six years in the making. I’d like to thank my fellow Lilians as well as our partners at EASA for their continued support on this journey. In addition to European oversight, EASA’s Design Organization Approval brings significant benefits to our FAA certification process in the U.S. by utilizing the Bilateral Aviation Safety Agreements to validate the technology and aircraft.”
Luc Tytgat, Acting Executive Director, EASA said: “EASA is ensuring that everything is in place for the societal acceptance of Urban Air Mobility. We are setting the right rules for operations and taking care of the environmental elements including noise, while of course ensuring that high safety standards are met. At the same time, we are wary of creating barriers to entering this new market and we have worked in partnership with Lilium, against a demanding timeline. I would like to congratulate Lilium on achieving this Design Organization Approval, which advances Europe’s electric aviation activity.”
Lilium is pursuing concurrent type-certificate validation of the Lilium Jet with the FAA under the provisions of the Bilateral Aviation Safety Agreement between the European Union and the U.S. The FAA issued its G-1 for the Lilium Jet in June, making Lilium the only eVTOL manufacturer with both an EASA and FAA certification basis for a powered lift eVTOL aircraft.
Why it matters: Design Organization Approval reflects a seal of quality assurance for companies in aviation design, formally acknowledging a company’s ability to design and develop safe and compliant aircraft. This major achievement in the development of the revolutionary Lilium Jet reflects the culmination of an extensive qualification process dating back to 2017. Receiving Design Organization Approval is a core requirement for any commercial aircraft manufacturer.
Xwing and Daedalean Partner to Drive AI Innovation in Aviation
Xwing and Daedalean, two leading pioneers in the application of AI and machine learning in aviation, have joined forces in an announcement shared on November 29th. This strategic collaboration aims to accelerate safety enhancements and streamline certification processes, marking a significant milestone in the development of AI-driven aviation solutions. The partnership comes as both companies are diligently working with aviation...

Xwing and Daedalean Partner to Drive AI Innovation in Aviation


Xwing and Daedalean, two leading pioneers in the application of AI and machine learning in aviation, have joined forces in an announcement shared on November 29th. This strategic collaboration aims to accelerate safety enhancements and streamline certification processes, marking a significant milestone in the development of AI-driven aviation solutions.
The partnership comes as both companies are diligently working with aviation regulators, including the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and the European Union Aviation and Safety Agency (EASA), to certify their innovative AI-based systems. It’s worth noting that no machine learning (ML) based safety-critical applications have been deployed in civil aviation cockpits to date, necessitating a reevaluation of traditional safety certification standards.
Collaboration is key in this endeavor, as Xwing and Daedalean work together to harmonize their certification approaches and share valuable data and knowledge. This collaborative effort aims to shape certification standards that will not only enhance safety but also facilitate the adoption of AI technologies in aviation more effectively than if pursued independently.
Luuk van Dijk, CEO of Daedalean, emphasized the importance of collaboration, stating, “In this emerging industry, it’s as crucial to collaborate with fellow pioneers as it is to partner with regulators around the world. With this shared undertaking, we will be able to demonstrate that increasing safety is driving innovation and that a collaborative approach to harmonize regulations and standards ensures that best practices are universally adopted.”
Both companies have already made significant strides in the development of certification frameworks for AI-based systems, with Xwing publishing “Formal and Practical Elements for the Certification of Machine Learning Systems” and Daedalean contributing with their “Concepts of Design Assurance for Neural Networks” series. These publications will aid regulators in understanding the companies’ aligned approaches, paving the way for the establishment of an acceptable means of compliance.
Maxime Gariel, President and CTO of Xwing, noted, “Our collaboration with Daedalean underscores the importance we place on sharing data, knowledge, and processes to inform a credible path forward toward certification for the industry as a whole as we work closely with regulators.”
By combining their expertise and sharing insights, Xwing and Daedalean are positioning themselves as leaders in AI-driven aviation and are also contributing to the accelerated development of safer and more efficient aerial mobility solutions.
Why it’s important: As these two industry pioneers continue to work together and with regulators, the future of AI in aviation looks promising, offering safer and more innovative travel experiences for all. Stay tuned for more updates on this exciting collaboration.
Oregon will use up to 126 Jump eVTOL aircraft for emergency response
Jump Aero, a California-based aircraft manufacturer, has partnered with the Oregon Department of Aviation to explore the integration of their JA1 Pulse Aircraft into the fabric of Oregon’s emergency response ecosystem. The recently inked Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) marks a collaborative effort to redefine emergency medical services in rural Oregon, harnessing the speed and sustainability of the JA1 Pulse Aircraft....

Oregon will use up to 126 Jump eVTOL aircraft for emergency response

Jump Aero, a California-based aircraft manufacturer, has partnered with the Oregon Department of Aviation to explore the integration of their JA1 Pulse Aircraft into the fabric of Oregon’s emergency response ecosystem. The recently inked Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) marks a collaborative effort to redefine emergency medical services in rural Oregon, harnessing the speed and sustainability of the JA1 Pulse Aircraft.

The MOU anticipates the potential deployment of up to 126 JA1 Pulse aircraft to ensure swift access to trained professionals at emergency scenes, particularly in areas where the current response times exceed the desired standard of eight minutes due to vast distances and challenging terrains. The JA1 Pulse Aircraft is poised to significantly impact the lives of Oregon’s residents and visitors alike.
This collaboration represents significant progress in Jump Aero’s mission to provide rapid medical first response coverage to diverse regions. The Oregon Department of Aviation’s commitment to exploring innovative solutions echoes their dedication to enhancing emergency services for all residents. Director Kenji Sugahara expressed anticipation about the partnership, stating, “We look forward to cultivating a long-term relationship with Jump Aero as we delve into providing rapid first response to our rural communities with the JA1 Pulse.”
Jump Aero’s President and CEO, Carl Dietrich, conveyed gratitude for the Oregon Department of Aviation’s progressive stance, emphasizing the JA1 Pulse’s potential to not only reduce emergency response times but also to elevate survival rates in rural communities. Dietrich enthused, “We are confident that the JA1 Pulse will emerge as a critical life-saving tool in Oregon, and we eagerly anticipate collaborating with first responders in Oregon and other partner regions.”
Headquartered in Petaluma, California, Jump Aero specializes in electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft technology and their vision extends beyond innovation to revolutionizing emergency response times in rural areas. For detailed insights into Jump Aero and the JA1 Pulse aircraft, visit www.jumpaero.com.
Why it’s important: The Oregon Department of Aviation (ODAV) takes center stage as a state agency dedicated to propelling the development of aviation within Oregon’s transportation system while ensuring the safety of its airways. This collaboration with Jump Aero exemplifies the department’s unwavering commitment to advancing emergency services in the state, marking a noteworthy stride toward a safer and more resilient state of Oregon.
Joby Receives CalCompetes Grant to Support California Facility Expansion and nearly 700 Jobs
In a significant boost to California’s aerial mobility sector, Joby has received a $9.8 million CalCompetes grant from the state’s Office of Business and Economic Development. This investment supports the expansion of Joby’s manufacturing facilities in Marina, California, and will play a pivotal role in accelerating the early manufacturing phases crucial for the company’s anticipated commercial operations set for 2025....

Joby Receives CalCompetes Grant to Support California Facility Expansion and nearly 700 Jobs

In a significant boost to California’s aerial mobility sector, Joby has received a $9.8 million CalCompetes grant from the state’s Office of Business and Economic Development. This investment supports the expansion of Joby’s manufacturing facilities in Marina, California, and will play a pivotal role in accelerating the early manufacturing phases crucial for the company’s anticipated commercial operations set for 2025.

The grant is financial catalyst and also a commitment to the local economy, promising to create 690 full-time jobs across the state by 2027. With a $41.3 million investment pledged by Joby, the company is gearing up for a significant increase in manufacturing volumes, alongside initiating training programs for pilots and aircraft maintainers.
Joby’s vision aligns with the state’s legislative direction, as indicated by Senator Anna Caballero’s remarks on the Marina Way and the passage of SB800, which lays out the regulatory framework for Advanced Air Mobility. The collaboration between government, industry, and community is a testament to a shared goal of tackling climate change, housing, and transportation issues through innovative solutions like eVTOL aircraft.
Bruce Delgado, Mayor of Marina, highlights the local impact of this grant, which will see the expansion of Joby’s production capabilities at Marina Municipal Airport. This expansion also aims to serve as a form of community enrichment, as highlighted by Maria Elena Manzo of Mujeres en Acción. The project signifies an inclusive economic development model, where community engagement and partnership are key.
While California remains the focal point for Joby’s initial operations, the company’s broader vision includes a sizable manufacturing plant in Dayton, Ohio, aiming to produce up to 500 aircraft annually and generate 2,000 clean manufacturing jobs.
Earlier this month, Joby also marked a milestone by conducting the first electric air taxi flight in New York City, signaling an impending shift in urban air travel dynamics.
Why it’s important: With over 1,250 employees in California and more than 160 open positions, Joby continues to remain one of the leaders in eVTOL innovation, shaping the future of urban air mobility with an environmentally conscious approach. This recent financial endorsement by California is a clear indication of the state’s support for clean, cutting-edge transportation solutions that promise to revolutionize cityscapes and commuting patterns in the future.
Air Chateau International to Purchase 100 Archer Midnight eVTOLs
Archer and Air Chateau International, one of the leading private aviation operators in the UAE, have signed an MOU covering a planned purchase by Air Chateau of up to 100 of Archer’s Midnight eVTOL aircraft with an approximate value of $500M and providing for an initial non-refundable, pre-delivery payment of $1M by December 31, 2023. Air Chateau plans to own...

Air Chateau International to Purchase 100 Archer Midnight eVTOLs

Archer and Air Chateau International, one of the leading private aviation operators in the UAE, have signed an MOU covering a planned purchase by Air Chateau of up to 100 of Archer’s Midnight eVTOL aircraft with an approximate value of $500M and providing for an initial non-refundable, pre-delivery payment of $1M by December 31, 2023. Air Chateau plans to own and operate the Midnight aircraft in the UAE region.

The two companies will now work to formalize the definitive agreements covering the planned purchase over the coming months, with $4 million of additional pre-delivery payments contemplated to be paid following signing.
Air Chateau was the first private heliport operator company in the UAE to have its heliport and lounge terminal at the land side of Dubai World Central Al Maktoum International Airport, Dubai Helipark and with multiple touch points across the UAE. Air Chateau’s operations offer last mile services targeted at ultra-high net worth individuals, including connectivity between airports, cities and strategic points and key attractions.
The relationship is intended to further strengthen Archer’s recently announced plans to commence air taxi operations in both Abu Dhabi and Dubai in 2026. The parties intend to explore opportunities to collaborate on bringing in the infrastructure investment necessary for these cities to be ready for these planned operations.
“It was an honor hosting Air Chateau’s team at the Dubai Air Show 2023 during which they were able to touch, see and feel our aircraft as it headlined the show,” said Archer Founder and CEO, Adam Goldstein. “Their recognition that our Midnight aircraft meets what the customer demands in the UAE market and desire to secure the purchase of up to 100 Midnight aircraft is another exciting validation of our efforts to bring to market an aircraft that will revolutionize how people move in and around cities.”
“This remarkable opportunity signifies the ongoing evolution of Air Chateau, heralding a transformative era in our industry. Embarking on our journey into being an infrastructure provider two years ago for helicopters, today, we stand at the precipice of realizing our vision for the future of urban air mobility with eVTOLs in Dubai and across the UAE. The support of our visionary partners has been instrumental in our journey, and as we unveil this exciting chapter, we are privileged to share a collective vision. We are very grateful for having the opportunity to pave the way for the future of Air Mobility in Dubai with Archer” said Dr. Samir Mohamed, Chairman and Founder of Air Chateau.
In October, as part of Archer’s announcement of its plans to commence air taxi operations in the UAE in 2026, Archer also laid out its intent to build an engineering Center of Excellence to support the growing advanced air mobility industry in the UAE and across the Middle East and to collaborate with local manufacturing companies and Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul providers in Abu Dhabi to spearhead the production of eVTOL aircraft, furthering Abu Dhabi’s efforts to grow its Smart and Autonomous Vehicle Industry cluster.
Why it matters: Air Chateau’s clientele is the perfect synergy for the value proposition of aerial mobility. Archer’s Midnight eVTOL will serve the area and connect passengers in the UAE with their final mile destinations. Further, the advanced payments by Air Chateau will help provide Archer with some extra cash flow as it completes of flight testing of Midnight.
Source: Archer Press Release
Elroy Air Flies World’s First Turbogenerator-Hybrid Electric VTOL Aircraft
Elroy Air, based in Byron, California, marked a groundbreaking achievement on November 12 with the successful flight of the Chaparral C1, the world’s first turbogenerator-hybrid electric vertical take-off and landing (VTOL) aircraft. The autonomous C1, designed for middle-mile express shipping, humanitarian logistics, and military resupply, combines distributed electric propulsion and a turbogenerator-battery architecture. Taking off from Byron Airport, the Chaparral...

Elroy Air Flies World’s First Turbogenerator-Hybrid Electric VTOL Aircraft

Elroy Air, based in Byron, California, marked a groundbreaking achievement on November 12 with the successful flight of the Chaparral C1, the world’s first turbogenerator-hybrid electric vertical take-off and landing (VTOL) aircraft. The autonomous C1, designed for middle-mile express shipping, humanitarian logistics, and military resupply, combines distributed electric propulsion and a turbogenerator-battery architecture.
Taking off from Byron Airport, the Chaparral C1 utilized its turbogenerator system and high-power batteries to achieve a vertical takeoff, flying for 57 seconds before landing safely. Elroy Air CEO Dave Merrill expressed excitement, noting the aircraft’s significance in advancing their mission to enable same-day shipping globally and providing low-risk resupply for defense operations.
Hybrid-electric aircraft, a critical advancement in aviation, offer robust operations through distributed electric propulsion (DEP), ensuring safety in case of motor failure – a key aspect for autonomy. The turbogenerator-hybrid architecture, combining a gas turbine-driven generator with batteries, addresses the energy density limitations of battery-electric aircraft, enabling long-range missions without the need for extensive charging infrastructure.
The achievement received praise from industry experts, including Ashish Bagai, an advanced rotorcraft expert, highlighting the complexity of managing power output in true VTOL and vertical flight capable aircraft.
The Chaparral C1 has garnered significant interest from commercial, humanitarian, and defense partners, with a backlog exceeding $3 billion in future revenues. Active contracts with the US Air Force further validate its capabilities for addressing urgent operational needs in logistics.
Elroy Air plans to expand the Chaparral’s demonstrated flight capabilities through collaboration with the US Air Force, including modes such as expanded hover, system identification, transition, and cruise flight. The company, supported by investors and industry giants, continues its mission to reshape logistics possibilities and provide same-day shipping worldwide.
Why it’s important: Elroy Air overcame significant challenges in electrical power management and structural vibration to bring the Chaparral C1 into flight testing. The company, with intellectual property and technical experience, positions itself as a leader in hVTOL aircraft development. The project’s importance is underscored by its backing from key figures, including Dr. Mark Esper, 27th US Secretary of Defense and Elroy Air Board Member.
Related: Elroy Air Secures More Than $2B in Total Aircraft Demand
Electra completes first flight of EL-2 Goldfinch eSTOL aircraft
Electra completed the inaugural flight of its EL-2 Goldfinch aircraft on November 19th from the Manassas Regional Airport in Virginia. This hybrid-electric, ultra-short takeoff and landing (eSTOL) aircraft reflects technological advancements that are incorporated into a unique configuration which could help to change the way short missions and regional travel are conducted in the future. The Goldfinch is a two-seat...

Electra completes first flight of EL-2 Goldfinch eSTOL aircraft

Electra completed the inaugural flight of its EL-2 Goldfinch aircraft on November 19th from the Manassas Regional Airport in Virginia. This hybrid-electric, ultra-short takeoff and landing (eSTOL) aircraft reflects technological advancements that are incorporated into a unique configuration which could help to change the way short missions and regional travel are conducted in the future.

The Goldfinch is a two-seat eSTOL technology demonstrator and utilizes blown lift technology powered by eight electric motors. This innovation enables ultra-short takeoffs and landings—akin to the agility of a helicopter—while delivering the efficiency and speed of a fixed-wing aircraft. The successful test flights to date have showcased the aircraft’s all-electric and hybrid-electric capabilities; the 23-minute flight covered 30 miles of air distance.
The significance of these achievements lies in the Goldfinch and similar eVTOL or eSTOL aircrafts’ potential for urban and regional mobility. They’re designed to operate from compact spaces that are impractical for traditional aircraft and helicopters, unlocking access to thousands of communities currently underserved by conventional air travel. The noise and emission reductions inherent in Electra’s technology also align with growing environmental consciousness and regulatory demands.
Looking forward, Electra’s vision extends to a nine-passenger commercial variant of the Goldfinch, aiming to reshape the airport environment by only requiring 150 feet of “runway” for takeoff, 200 mph cruise speeds, and 500-mile range. The market response for aerial mobility projects has been positive, with over 30 customers pre-ordering more than 1,700 aircraft.

Supported by strategic funding from the U.S. Air Force’s AFWERX Agility Prime Program, Electra anticipates that the Goldfinch will receive FAA Part 23 certification by 2028. This timeline sets the stage for the Goldfinch to not only serve traditional air travel routes but also to innovate middle-mile cargo logistics, offering a faster, quieter, and more efficient alternative to ground transportation for distances between 50 and 500 miles.
Why it’s important: Electra’s achievement with the EL-2 Goldfinch is more than a technical milestone; it’s a preview toward how aerial mobility transportation could advance connectivity and sustainability, transforming short to medium-haul travel into a quiet, clean, and highly efficient experience. As cities grow denser and the demand for eco-friendly transportation solutions accelerates, Electra’s eSTOL aircraft provide a sustainable approach to enhanced urban and regional connectivity.
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