Results for: aurora flight sciences

Cyclorotor unveiled footage of the first flight of their Bumblebee2.0 concept with an Enhanced Propulsion system last week. The flight occurred at the end of August, 2023. This aircraft showcases a unique configuration, featuring four CR42 CycloRotors and an advanced flight control system. The launch of the outdoor flight campaign marks progress toward development of CYCLOROTOR’s unique aviation propulsion system.

The flight demonstration took place at a general aviation airport in Austria. CYCLOROTOR shares that their outdoor flight operations adhere to all applicable regulations set by the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA), operating under the UAS operational authorization for the “specific” category.

Over the coming months, Cyclorotor plans to demonstrate the capabilities of its 360° thrust vectoring CycloRotors. These innovative propulsion units are based off of a design that’s over 100 years old and can challenge traditional aerial mobility industry aircraft configurations. However, not all are in agreement of the level of enhanced maneuverability, stability, and efficiency in flight offered by this unique configuration. CYCLOROTOR aims to systematically expand the flight envelope, further exploring and collecting data on the performance of their unique aircraft design.

While the debut of Bumblebee2.0 represents a unique application of a novel propulsion and lifting concept that is over a century old, it is important to note that this novel configuration may only partially permeate into limited applications in the drone industry. As with any unique configuration, widespread adoption often requires time and industry-wide acceptance in addition to successful, demonstrated performance.

Why it’s important: CYCLOROTOR has invited aviation enthusiasts, industry stakeholders, and the public to stay tuned for more updates as they continue to push the boundaries of what is possible in the world of aerial mobility. While their novel configuration is still not proven for widespread application, the team is making strides toward advancement of a unique type of aircraft and collecting data that can be used to improve future variants.

VoltAero has achieved a significant milestone by conducting a flight using its proprietary electric-hybrid powertrain, fueled entirely by sustainable bioethanol from TotalEnergies. The landmark event took place at VoltAero’s development facility in Royan, France, and represents a giant stride towards greener and more sustainable aviation.

The successful flight test utilized VoltAero’s Cassio S testbed airplane, serving as a crucial validation step for both the electric-hybrid powertrain and the use of sustainable fuels. This accomplishment plays a pivotal role in de-risking the airworthiness certification process for forthcoming production models within the Cassio aircraft family.

Jean Botti, CEO and Chief Technology Officer of VoltAero noted that “based on initial results, we calculated a truly impressive CO2 reduction of approximately 80 percent while operating the Cassio powertrain in its electric-hybrid mode and with the internal combustion engine fueled by TotalEnergies’ Excellium Racing 100.” This development highlights the potential of Cassio aircraft to contribute significantly to the aviation industry’s decarbonization goals by replacing conventional Avgas 100 high-octane fuel.

The collaboration between VoltAero and TotalEnergies reflects a step toward the broader adoption of sustainable aviation fuels (SAF) in general aviation. Excellium Racing 100, derived from winemaking waste, has demonstrated its environmental benefits in automobile competitions and features a 65% reduction in CO2 emissions compared to its fossil fuel counterparts over its life cycle.

Joël Navaron, President of TotalEnergies Aviation, emphasized the company’s commitment to supporting aviation’s decarbonization objectives. TotalEnergies has initiated various actions, including the installation of electric charging stations for general aviation aircraft and a pilot program aimed at offering SP98-type fuel for compatible aircraft.

The Cassio family of aircraft, integrated with VoltAero’s patented electric-hybrid propulsion system, promises to revolutionize regional commercial operations, air taxi services, private ownership, and utility applications like cargo transport and medical evacuation (Medevac). With its unique hybrid propulsion system, Cassio delivers higher performance and significantly reduced operational costs.

Why it’s important: VoltAero’s latest achievement is desired by those in aerospace to become a more common occurrence in the next chapter of aviation, taking aerial mobility one step closer to more environmentally friendly outcomes. While the current supply of sustainable aviation fuel does not yet support full deployment of flights using SAF, compatibility with sustainable aviation fuels is crucial for future regional mobility aircraft designs.

Innovation is soaring to new heights in aerial mobility, and recent advances in artificial intelligence (AI) are challenging the ways traditional methods of flight path monitoring. While there is the potential to significantly enhance safety and efficiency in our increasingly crowded skies, there are also challenges related to how cutting-edge AI technologies can be safely and responsibly applied to new aircraft.

The Challenge of Aerial Mobility

Aerial mobility continues to make inroads on the path to widespread certification and utilization of aircraft to decongest urban areas and more efficiently transport passengers the last 50nm of their trips. With the rapid growth of drones, air taxis, and autonomous aircraft, cities around the world are embracing the potential for faster, cleaner, and more efficient transportation. However, this comes with its own set of challenges, particularly in managing and coordinating the movement of numerous airborne vehicles in urban environments.

AI-Powered Predictive Flight Path Monitoring

AI-driven predictive flight path monitoring has a potential to be a game-changer in this space, but with serious complications if implementation isn’t nearly flawless. AI algorithms, empowered by deep learning and real-time data analysis, enable aerial mobility systems to anticipate and adapt to changing conditions. A potential rosy future could include:

1. Collision Avoidance: AI algorithms can predict potential conflicts between aerial vehicles and suggest alternative routes to avoid collisions. This proactive approach significantly reduces the risk of accidents, making urban air travel safer for everyone.
2. Weather Forecasting: AI can process vast amounts of weather data in real-time, allowing aircraft to adjust their routes to avoid turbulence, storms, or adverse conditions. This not only enhances safety but also ensures smoother and more comfortable rides for passengers.
3. Traffic Management: AI-powered traffic management systems can dynamically allocate airspace and landing zones, optimizing routes to minimize congestion and delays. This promotes efficient use of airspace, reducing travel times and environmental impact.
4. Predictive Maintenance: AI can predict maintenance needs for aerial vehicles by analyzing sensor data. This preemptive approach ensures that aircraft are in optimal condition, reducing the risk of in-flight mechanical failures.

While the above list of advances sounds incredibly convenient, it also reflects what many sight as an idyllic view of AI’s implementation in aerial mobility. There are numerous challenges to face, including sporadic, erratic flight paths from other aircraft, regulatory integration and certification, as well as ethical and privacy concerns, especially for those not wanting the data from their flights to be shared for privacy reasons. Finally, the methods by which these algorithms are trained must be ironclad, and evasive actions cannot also be prescribed in situations where immediate intervention is necessary.

As many OEMs adopt hybridized approaches to their powertrains, leveraging the best of both internal combustion and battery technology, a similar approach is likely warranted for the most successful of the aerial mobility aircraft: provisioned for future growth with capabilities that can eventually be fully autonomous, but with the option for remote or in-aircraft piloting to occur to assuage passenger concerns and to meet current regulatory requirements.

Why it’s important: As AI continues to evolve, the future of aerial mobility may evolve to leverage this technology as well. AI-driven predictive flight path monitoring may enhance safety but also paves the way for increased automation and autonomy in air travel, if implemented gradually and successful. The runway to AI integration into aviation is a long one, but slow incremental steps will yield benefit.

Joby subsidiary, H2FLY has announced successful completion of the world first piloted flight of a liquid hydrogen-powered electric aircraft.

H2FLY, acquired by Joby in 2021, continues to lead the industry on the development and testing of hydrogen aviation propulsion systems. The company completed a series of piloted flights with its HY4 demonstrator aircraft, including one that lasted more than three hours, fitted with a hydrogen-electric fuel cell propulsion system and liquid hydrogen that powered it for the entire flight.

The flights demonstrate the viability of using cryogenically-stored liquid hydrogen instead of gaseous hydrogen, which enables significantly lower tank weights and volume, leading to longer range. The successful installation and demonstration of flight with liquid hydrogen is believed to increase the range of H2FLY’s HY4 demonstrator aircraft from 466 mi (750 km) to 932 mi (1500 km), marking a critical step towards the long-term decarbonization of mid- to long-range aviation.

“H2FLY are pioneers in their field, and we’re proud of them achieving this watershed moment in the use of liquid hydrogen to power aircraft,” said JoeBen Bevirt, Founder and CEO of Joby Aviation. “In the years to come, battery-electric and hydrogen-electric propulsion systems will enable us to build aircraft that are quieter and make mid- to long-range air travel possible with zero emissions. It’s critical we take action now and invest aggressively in these technologies for the health of our planet and future generations to come.”

The successful flights are the culmination of Project HEAVEN, a European-government-supported consortium assembled to demonstrate the feasibility of using liquid hydrogen in aircraft. The consortium is led by H2FLY and includes the partners Air Liquide, Pipistrel Vertical Solutions, the German Aerospace Center (DLR), EKPO Fuel Cell Technologies, and Fundación Ayesa.

Why it matters: Following this test flight milestone, H2FLY will increasingly focus on its path to commercialization. In June, H2FLY announced the development of its new fuel cell systems, which will be capable of providing their full power range at altitudes high enough to enable commercial hydrogen-electric aircraft, demonstrating real-world commercial aircraft applications. Hydrogen-electric platforms offer a longer range offering than all-electric vehicles and will do well to capture the mid/long range aircraft space.

Source: Joby Press Release

In a groundbreaking event that offers a glimpse into the future of aviation, KLM Royal Dutch Airlines, in collaboration with the Electric Flying Connection (EFC) and the E-Flight Academy, recently hosted a two-day experience of electric flying. The event provided 18 lucky guests with the opportunity to take a trial flying lesson aboard the Pipistrel Velis Electro, a certified two-seat electric aircraft. These flights operated between Lelystad Airport and Schiphol-Oost, offering valuable insights into electric flight logistics and the challenges it presents.

Jolanda Stevens, program manager for Zero Emission Aviation at KLM, emphasized the importance of testing new technologies in practice to make air transport more sustainable. She highlighted that the initiatives undertaken today could pave the way for scalable applications in the future.

Schiphol Airport was chosen as the starting point due to its status as KLM’s home base. The Pipistrel Velis Electro, while limited in range, presented a unique opportunity to explore the logistics and infrastructure required for electric flight. As electric aircraft need recharging, cooperation with airports and air traffic control is vital to ensure safe and efficient operations.

While the Pipistrel Velis Electro would never practically become a part of KLM’s route network, these trial flight lessons serve as an important stepping stone towards future electric aviation. Market experts predict that by 2035, larger electric aircraft capable of carrying 50 to 100 passengers with longer ranges will emerge. KLM’s commitment to researching various technologies, including electric, hydrogen, and hybrid propulsion, underscores its dedication to sustainable aviation.

KLM’s climate strategy is aligned with the journey towards Zero Emission Aviation. The airline recognizes the need for cleaner, quieter, and more fuel-efficient operations, and KLM’s journey along this path means not only adopting new aircraft but also developing infrastructure, optimizing airspace usage, and enhancing operational efficiency. Collaboration across the aviation value chain is essential to overcoming the challenges and uncertainties associated with this transition.

The Electric Flying Connection (EFC) is a trade association with over 50 members from various segments of the electric flight ecosystem, plays a pivotal role in advancing the sustainability of air transport. By connecting airlines, aircraft manufacturers, flight academies, infrastructure developers, and more, EFC fosters collaboration and innovation in the pursuit of greener skies.

Why it’s important: KLM’s recent electric flying experience demonstrates the airline’s commitment to pioneering sustainable aviation solutions. As the industry progresses, initiatives like these will contribute to a more eco-friendly and efficient future for aerial mobility and increase awareness to the general public about the progress being made in the industry.

In a milestone for the drone industry, uAvionix anounced last week that in joint operation at the Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma (CNO) Emerging Aviation Technology Center, they’ve successfully completed the first Beyond Visual Line of Sight (BVLOS) flight in non-segregated airspace using aviation-protected C-Band frequencies in the United States. Serving as the Command and Control Communications Service Provider (C2CSP), uAvionix has marked a significant leap forward for Uncrewed Aircraft Systems (UAS) operators and businesses looking to expand scalable UAS operations.

The BVLOS flight, made possible through uAvionix’s SkyLine software service, was the culmination of years of engineering, planning, and regulatory cooperation. This achievement is poised to improve industries such as medical and package delivery, linear utility inspection, and emergency management.

Paul Beard, uAvionix’s founder and CTO, discussed SkyLine software’s capabilities, which encompass link management and detect and avoid services across multiple frequencies and data inputs. It adheres to rigorous aviation safety and certification standards, allowing BVLOS flights without the need for chase vehicles or visual observers. Beard describes it as a “brilliant piece of engineering and operations.”

uAvionix recently secured FCC approval, in collaboration with the FAA, to operate both airborne and ground radio stations on C-Band during BVLOS flights. The SkyLine cloud-based software service, coupled with the SkyLink airborne and SkyStation ground-based radios, ensures uninterrupted communication over challenging terrains.

The BVLOS flight showcased uAvionix’s Super Volo aircraft and its innovative muLTELink5060 airborne radio, supported by four SkyLink5060 ground radios deployed across the expansive CNO UAS test site. The SkyLine system continuously monitored communication links between the ground stations and the aircraft, ensuring reliable command and control. Detect and avoid data from terrestrial sensors enhanced situational awareness for the Remote Pilot in Command.

James Grimley, Executive Director for the Choctaw Nation Oklahoma Emerging Aviation Technologies Center, recognizes uAvionix’s pioneering efforts, emphasizing their role in creating a technical and operational system that paves the way for safe UAS operations, benefiting both the economy and culture of their communities.

Why it’s important: uAvionix, driven by its mission to enhance aviation safety, has achieved a historic BVLOS flight and set the stage for future UAS and aerial mobility operations, all while adhering to aviation-grade standards and regulatory approval. This achievement marks a considerable step towards realizing the potential of drones and autonomous aerial systems in various critical applications.

In a letter to investors for public release, Vertical Aerospace has shared an update on its flight test program following an incident last month involving one of its VX4 flight test prototype aircraft. According to the release, Vertical does not expect any significant impact to its certification timeline.

The release stated the VX4 flight test prototype has concluded its remote thrustborne flight test campaign as of July 2023, as the first full-scale VX4 prototype reached its target speed of 40kts (70 kmph), demonstrating exceptional overall stability and control.

Performance targets were generally exceeded by 10-30% during hover and low speed flights. The prototype performed especially well in sustained hover, typically the most challenging regime for a VTOL aircraft, where it maintained level flight for longer than anticipated. The aim of these thrustborne flight tests was to verify acceptable stability, battery efficiency and control characteristics, aerodynamics, structural loads, performance and vibration throughout this speed range – all of which were achieved.

During one of these test flights, an unexpected fault occurred causing the aircraft to enter a stable descent, before being damaged on impact with the ground. Vertical completed a swift and thorough investigation and submitted a report to the Air Accidents Investigation Branch (AAIB). Vertical’s investigation identified the root cause to be a fault with a propeller. This early generation propeller had already been redesigned prior to the incident, with the issue fully resolved ahead of the next phase of testing. Further recommendations by the investigation are being implemented by Vertical.

Stephen Fitzpatrick, Vertical Founder and CEO, commented: “We are pleased with our flight test progress to date and the data, insights and invaluable learnings we have collected. While a fault of any sort is disappointing, it is not wholly unexpected at this stage of testing a novel aircraft. I am pleased that as a result of our expert team we have isolated the cause of the fault and been able to provide the AAIB with our report within 14 days of the incident. Our planned second upgraded prototype, which will include most of our top tier partners’ technology, will have us in the air early next year and we remain on track for our certification timelines”

Why it matters: Despite the setback of a flight test incident, Vertical remains on track for its certification timeline. The company stated it is also developing a second, more advanced flight test prototype of the VX4 model which will be ready to fly in early 2024. Expect more updates as Vertical progresses toward entry to service of its eVTOL aircraft.

Source: Vertical Press Release

EHang has announced that the company has achieved a significant milestone for EH216-S TC by successfully completing all of the planned tests and flights in the last phase of demonstration and verification of compliance, and also completed the definitive TC Flight Test by the Civil Aviation Administration of China (“CAAC”), with unwavering endeavors throughout past 31 months since the CAAC officially accepted the Company’s TC application in January 2021.

This is the last milestone before obtaining the type certificate, and also the result of the unwavering efforts of EHang team. After finishing the remaining procedures, the Company expects to obtain the type certificate of EH216-S Unmanned Aerial Vehicle System from the CAAC soon.

Since the time when CAAC officially accepted the EH216-S TC application in January 2021, EHang has entered into an extensive 30 month long flight test campaign. During this period, EHang made several configuration changes ranging from battery, environment, material, strength, electronics, software, data link to ground control station.

The company now believes they have sufficiently proved that EH216-S meets the safety standards and airworthiness requirements by the CAAC, through scientific approaches, multi-angle demonstrations, rigorous testing, and continuous optimizations.

Huazhi Hu, Founder, Chairman and CEO of EHang, commented, “We’ve made remarkable progress in our pursuit of long-term growth. Notably, we are thrilled to announce that we have successfully completed all the planned tests for EH216-S type certification. This achievement marks a significant unprecedented milestone in the global emerging eVTOL industry, underscoring our unwavering dedication and pioneering advantages. Additionally, this sets the stage for us to secure the type certificate soon and proceed with our endeavors to initiate commercial operations. I would like to express my gratitude to the CAAC’s officials and the review team as well as the Company’s airworthiness certification team for their unwavering efforts and persevering spirits. It is their professionalism, exceptional technological expertise, and collaborations that have led us to our impressive achievement today. I believe the remaining procedures will be finished very soon before the official authorization of the type certificate. It will pave the way for our commercial operations in the next stage.”

Why it matters: To date, EHang will be the first TC program for unmanned eVTOL by a major aviation regulatory agency. With many commercial venture and partnerships in place, expect EHang to quickly manufacture and deliver its EH216-S eVTOL to many public and private operators throughout the country.

Source: EHang Press Release

ZeroAvia has announced a pivotal partnership with Surcar Airlines, a newly established airline with a vision to revolutionize flights in the Canary Islands. The collaboration seeks to introduce environmentally friendly air travel to the region through the deployment of ZeroAvia’s cutting-edge ZA600 hydrogen-electric engines.

Surcar Airlines, backed by investors including Nordic Seaplanes, plans to reshape the aviation landscape in the Canary Islands by retrofitting Twin Otter seaplanes with the ZA600 powertrain. These seaplanes, traditionally reliant on conventional fuel sources, will undergo a transformation that aligns with Surcar Airlines’ mission to pave the way for zero-emission aviation experiences. The Canary Islands’ captivating vistas will serve as the backdrop for a new era of green sightseeing flights, demonstrating the feasibility and allure of sustainable air travel.

ZeroAvia’s ZA600 engine is set to gain certification for 9-19 seat aircraft within the next two to three years. The strategic collaboration between ZeroAvia and De Havilland of Canada, holder of the Twin Otter’s type certificate, solidifies the trajectory towards a hydrogen-electric future for these aircraft.

As the European Union strives for a 55 percent reduction in greenhouse gas emissions by 2030 and Spain aims for carbon-neutral transportation by 2050, Surcar Airlines’ pioneering efforts are emblematic of a wider commitment to address climate change. Public sentiment echoes this urgency, with a majority of Europeans expressing intentions to limit air travel due to environmental concerns.

James Peck, Chief Customer Officer of ZeroAvia, envisions the Canary Islands as an ideal testing ground for early zero-emission flights. The archipelago’s inter-island routes provide the perfect canvas for replacing conventional engines with hydrogen-electric alternatives, aligning the region with sustainable travel trends.

Gerardo Morales-Hierro, Founder & CEO of Surcar Airlines, underscores the company’s dual commitment to preserving the Canary Islands’ natural beauty and reducing the impact of climate change. By embracing ZeroAvia’s groundbreaking technology, Surcar Airlines aims to deliver cleaner flights while fostering positive impacts on both the local community and the environment.

Recently, ZeroAvia also successfully completed testing of the ZA600 prototype aboard a Dornier 228 aircraft, which marks a significant milestone on the path to emission-free aviation. Hydrogen-electric engines, utilizing fuel cells to generate electricity, not only propel the aircraft but also emit only water – an innovative development for the aviation industry that had been gaining traction and popularity.

Why it’s important: With its ambitious targets of a 300-mile range in 9-19 seat aircraft by 2025 and a 700-mile range in 40-80 seat aircraft by 2027, ZeroAvia remains steadfast in its mission to drive aviation towards a sustainable future. Backed by key partnerships, FAA and CAA certificates, and pre-orders from global airlines, ZeroAvia is poised to usher in a new era of cleaner, greener flight operations, with commercial operations on the horizon by 2025. Together with Surcar Airlines, the partnership signals a transformative step forward for aviation and environmental stewardship in the Canary Islands.

Wisk has successfully flown its fifth-generation eVTOL, Cora at this week’s EAA AirVenture in Oshkosh. The event marks the companies first pubic autonomous demonstration of its anticipated eVTOL air taxi.

The flight, which included two runway passes and a vertical to wingborne flight maneuver, lasted 4 minutes and carried no passengers. “The final portion of the flight it came back to center stage, did a 270-deg. pedal turn, hovered there for a minute, did a little hat tip—dipped its nose to the crowd,” said Jay Pankowski, Wisk manager of operations support, who served as flight announcer. “We couldn’t be more thrilled with the outcome.”

Headquartered just outside of San Jose, California, Wisk has been steadily progressing through its flight test campagin ahead of FAA certification.

“The context of [the demonstration] was being the first performer after the parachuters and the National Anthem opening what is a pretty complex airshow, with a lot of fast-moving airplanes,” said Wisk Aero CEO Brian Yutko, speaking with Aviation Week. “Fitting into that environment and doing it in a non-disruptive way was a key focus for us and the team totally knocked it out of the park.”

Wisk will get plenty of facetime this week as it will perform public demonstration flights on Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday. The flights are manned by a six person crew, 3 remote pilot/engineers, a crew chief and assistant, and a visual observer, which the FAA requires while Wisk is unable to remotely sense and avoid other traffic.

“What we’ve said so far is we intend to certify it and get into commercial operations this decade,” Yutko said. “It’s our job to put forward what we think is a safe system; it’s the FAA’s job to independently check it and validate it. Given how novel this all is, we don’t want to improperly apply pressure to our teams or to the other teams to meet a date. But we have internal timelines and we think that we can get the job done and start commercial service this decade.”

Why it matters: eVTOL has been increasingly highlighted at EAA AirVenture in Oshkosh since the Covid pandemic. With designs reaching flight test maturity, the public gets to now see eVTOL’s first hand and it can be expected that fully autonomous operation and FAA certification is in the not too distant future.

Ribbit, a cargo airline startup specializing in autonomous flight technology, has secured a significant contract worth $1.3 million with Transport Canada and Innovative Solutions Canada. The contract will facilitate the testing of self-flying aircraft in remote regions, with the aim of addressing logistical challenges faced by northern communities and businesses. Ribbit has already completed over 200 hours of hands-free flight testing and is poised to advance its operational trials in preparation for commercial service.

Ribbit’s innovative technology presents a promising solution for rural and remote regions that often rely on infrequent flights from larger airplanes. By utilizing smaller autonomous aircraft, Ribbit seeks to revolutionize the economics of air transportation. CEO Carl Pigeon explains that this approach enables the company to offer reliable next-day or two-day service, significantly improving supply chains for businesses and communities in these underserved areas.

Under the terms of the contract, Ribbit will provide Transport Canada with a single autonomous aircraft, along with remote crew and maintenance services, for a period of one year. This collaboration will enable Transport Canada to gather valuable data that will inform future aviation regulations, standards, and policy decisions. Ribbit’s technology will play a vital role in shaping the future of aviation in Canada.

Ribbit’s progress in the autonomous flight sector has garnered significant interest from leading retailers, as indicated by their letters of intent totaling $42 million per year. This level of support showcases the industry’s recognition of the potential benefits and transformative impact of Ribbit’s technology. Ribbit aims to leverage these partnerships to create a future where anyone can ship and receive goods quickly and reliably, regardless of their location.

While Ribbit initially focuses on shipping time-sensitive goods to northern Canada, the company envisions a broader application of its autonomous aircraft technology. COO Jeremy Wang notes that their technology has the potential to revolutionize not only air cargo operations but also asset monitoring and maritime patrol. By understanding customer operations deeply and reimagining them with autonomy, Ribbit aims to redefine transportation possibilities.

Why it’s important: Ribbit, a venture-backed cargo airline startup, has secured a substantial contract with Transport Canada to conduct autonomous flight testing in remote regions. With their commitment to revolutionize supply chains and address logistical challenges, Ribbit’s technology has the potential to transform the way goods are shipped and received in underserved areas. Through collaboration with government, community, and private partners, Ribbit is actively working towards making transportation accessible to all.

Merlin Labs, an advanced aviation technology company, has reached a significant milestone in the development of its advanced automated flight system. Following a lucrative $1 million contract with the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), Merlin recently completed a series of 25 test flights in Alaska, showcasing its highly-automated flight control system alongside a safety pilot.

In collaboration with the FAA-designated University of Alaska Fairbanks UAS Test Site and Everts Air Cargo, Merlin successfully deployed its integrated hardware and software solution, the Merlin Pilot, on crewed aircraft for these groundbreaking test flights. Departing from Fairbanks, the flights ventured into rural areas, reaching destinations such as Fort Yukon, Galena, Huslia, Tanana, and Prudhoe Bay. Throughout the course of these flights, the Merlin Pilot logged over sixty hours of autonomous flight time, collecting vital data in real-world conditions characterized by challenging terrains and adverse weather.

This extensive data acquisition is crucial for enhancing Merlin’s in-flight capabilities and driving progress in aviation autonomy. By pushing the boundaries of technology in actual operating environments, Merlin aims to make the skies safer and more accessible for future generations. As a result of these successful test flights, Merlin has achieved a major feat, becoming the first autonomy system to be integrated into the National Airspace System (NAS).

Operating in Alaska poses unique challenges due to its vast distances, extreme climate variations, and limited communication coverage. Dr. Cathy Cahill, Director of the Alaska Center for Unmanned Aircraft Systems Integration (ACUASI) at the UAF Geophysical Institute, praised Merlin’s ability to navigate these challenges successfully. She emphasized their integrated approach to Alaska’s distinctive ecosystem as a key factor in their selection for collaboration with the FAA. Merlin’s commitment to using real data for training their onboard automation system ensures the highest level of safety.

Matthew George, co-founder and CEO of Merlin, expressed his gratitude for the support and partnership of the FAA, Everts Air Cargo, and ACUASI. He highlighted the critical role played by the flight trial data in refining their in-flight technology and certifying the Merlin Pilot. Moreover, George underscored the significance of the Merlin Pilot’s capability to access remote locations in Alaska, demonstrating its potential to support dangerous missions.

Why it’s important: Merlin’s successful completion of the test flights in Alaska represents a significant step forward in advancing the future of automated flight. By collecting valuable data in challenging real-world environments, Merlin’s technology holds the potential to advance flight operations crewing solutions while also increasing the safety and repeatability of operational execution.

AutoFlight, an Advanced Air Mobility aircraft developer, and Groupe ADP, a world leader in airport operations, have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to experimentally operate the “Prosperity I” electric take-off and landing aircraft (eVTOL) aircraft from Pontoise Vertiport during the 2024 Paris Olympic and Paralympic Games.

Under the MoU, AutoFlight will conduct experimental piloted flights from the Pontoise Vertiport, Europe’s most advanced airfield for sustainable air mobility. Pontoise Vertiport offers a comprehensive infrastructure encompassing dedicated take-off and landing areas, a state-of-the-art passenger terminal, a fully equipped maintenance hangar, and advanced control areas. As Groupe ADP is spearheading the development of eVTOL infrastructure in the Paris Region with five additional vertiports in the making (Paris heliport in Issy-les-Moulineaux, Paris Austerlitz, Paris Charles de Gaulle, Paris Le Bourget, Saint-Cyr l’Ecole), Pontoise offers the optimal setting to experiment AutoFlight’s cutting-edge eVTOL technology.

AutoFlight’s Prosperity I fixed-wing aircraft represents a remarkable leap forward in terms of efficiency, as demonstrated by its record-breaking longest flight for an eVTOL aircraft in March 2023. AutoFlight is one of only a few eVTOL OEMs to have demonstrated the ‘transition phase’ from vertical to horizontal flight, which is heavily reliant on complex flight control systems. AutoFlight touts that the advanced engineering of the aircraft allows for significant reductions in trip length while maximizing asset utilization in urban environments, ushering in a new era of sustainable logistics and passenger transportation.

Mark Henning, Managing Director of AutoFlight Europe, said: “Through conducting experimental piloted flights from the Pontoise Vertiport, a best-in-class infrastructure operated by Groupe ADP, we aim to showcase the immense potential of Advanced Air Mobility. Our 250km-range eVTOLs will operate in real-world conditions, highlighting their capabilities in urban environments and their invaluable contribution to sustainable logistics and mobility. The 2024 Paris Olympic and Paralympic Games will be a global celebration and we would take pride in AutoFlight’s technology being part of it. We are grateful to Groupe ADP for their collaboration. “

Groupe ADP also expressed enthusiasm about the collaboration. “We are delighted to be working with AutoFlight to enable experimental flights of their eVTOLs during the 2024 Paris Olympic and Paralympic Games” affirmed Edward Arkwright, Deputy CEO of Groupe ADP. “Pontoise Vertiport, equipped with exceptional infrastructure and facilities, serves as an optimal platform to support electric, innovative aircraft. This collaboration resonates with our commitment to delivering sustainable and efficient aircraft infrastructure as we continue to pave the way for the future of aviation.”

This collaboration is part of a broader framework of air mobility experiments, that Groupe ADP gathered since 2020 in a unique ecosystem. It also contributes to the efforts of the Paris Region to position itself at the forefront of urban mobility. 

Why it’s important: As the Paris Olympic and Paralympic Games are set to serve as a global stage for innovation and progress, AutoFlight intends to showcase the exceptional capabilities of its world-record holding 250km-range Lift & Cruise eVTOL, while Groupe ADP reinforces its commitment to fostering innovative air mobility. Sealed on Tuesday, June 20, by Tian Yu, CEO of AutoFlight, and Edward Arkwright, Deputy CEO of Groupe ADP, this collaboration aims to highlight AutoFlight’s potential in scaling up sustainable urban logistics and passenger transportation under real-world conditions.

Related: AUTOFLIGHT REVEALS INTERIOR DESIGN OF WORLD-RECORD HOLDING PROSPERITY I EVTOL

SkyDrive announced on June 21st that as part of continuing their mission of “taking the lead in the once-in-a-century mobility revolution,” they’ve selected to partner with Thales for the necessary flight control systems on the SkyDrive eVTOL.

Flight control systems are one of the key elements of eVTOL aircraft that will function in new and novel ways to accommodate the combination of accelerated forward flight and hover flight. The fly-by-wire system is a critical element of flight safety, responsible for calculating and adjusting the position of the aircraft’s control surfaces and managing engine thrust.

Thales pioneered Fly-by-wire solutions in the 1980s with the first installation on Airbus A310. Since then, more than 12,000 aircraft have been equipped with Thales solutions. Today, Thales FlytRise materializes a new generation of flight controls, offering SkyDrive the combined benefits of proven experience and adaptation to eVTOL requirements, in particular lightness, compactness, and readiness for autonomous operations.

SkyDrive promotes its eVTOL as an aircraft that supports the democratization of the benefits of aviation, where everyone has access to eVTOL as their daily transportation. SkyDrive has been selected to participate in Advanced Air Mobility “Smart Mobility Expo” Project at Expo 2025 Osaka, Kansai, Japan and the company aims to fly its SkyDrive eVTOL aircraft at the Expo. Designed to be flown with one pilot and two passengers on board for intra-city flights, the SkyDrive requires flight control solutions securing safe flights above populated areas.

Arnaud Coville, SkyDrive Inc’s. Chief Development Officer, states: “We are very pleased to have Thales as our partner in the field of flight control for our eVTOL aircraft the ‘SKYDRIVE’. Thales’s flight controls have long been trusted in the aviation industry. As an eVTOL manufacturer, SkyDrive values safety above all, and we believe that partnering with Thales in flight control, which is a key safety-related technology, will enable us to achieve the safety objectives of our aircraft.”

Why it’s important: SkyDrive’s partnership with Thales will leverage the expertise of an established flight control system developer and help to accelerate SkyDrive’s work on their path to certification of their SkyDrive eVTOL aircraft. It’s unknown what specific architecture Thales will select for the SkyDrive eVTOL at this time; especially with requirements for safety and redundancy during autonomy, requirements for robust failsafe modes and intelligent flight control hardware and software design will be paramount.

Related:

• Japanese Engineering Company Taiho Pre-Orders SkyDrive’s SD-05 eVTOL
• SkyDrive Begins Accepting Private Owner-Operator eVTOL Orders