Results for: flyter
Russian Startup Flyter Successfully Tests Wing Components
Russian startup Flyter has taken the next important step in testing the design of its 2-seater PAC 720-200. Flyter has been around since February 2018. Since then, it unveiled its concept for the PAC 720-200, a two-seater VTOL aircraft that flies like a small plane but can take off like a helicopter. Flyter’s goal is to make an aircraft that...

Russian Startup Flyter Successfully Tests Wing Components

Russian startup Flyter has taken the next important step in testing the design of its 2-seater PAC 720-200.

The Flyter PAC 720-200 is capable of carrying 440 lbs with a max range of 560 miles.
Flyter has been around since February 2018. Since then, it unveiled its concept for the PAC 720-200, a two-seater VTOL aircraft that flies like a small plane but can take off like a helicopter. Flyter’s goal is to make an aircraft that can both use airports as well as access more remote locations.
The Flyter 720-200 features a total of eight downward-facing lift propellors. Flyter states that although the it would have liked to use only four props, efficiency and thrust requirements led to the four-prop design.
In the latest test, Flyter successfully proves many of the predicted thrust and efficiency calculations. The design itself is unique in that propellors sit under the wing rather than on top of it, and the test proved the functionality of this concept. While many eVTOL prototypes (such as the Boeing PAV) use only upward facing propellors and others use a combination of upward and downward facing propellors, Flyter is one of the only companies to use solely downward facing propellors.
Watch the company’s full description of the flight test below:
Flyter is also one of the only eVTOL developers in Russia, and is proceeding with testing on schedule. The company begun taking investors in April of this year. Rather than targeting an urban air taxi market, Flyter’s strategy is to provide a vehicle that can access remote locations of Russia. The company will make both a passenger and autonomous cargo version of the PAC 720-200, and intends to use hybrid power for maximum range.
For more about Flyter, visit its website here.
Why it’s important: Since Flyter is one of the only eVTOL developers in Russia, it has a good chance of being first to capture VTOL flight demand there. Through its latest round successful of testing, Flyter sets a precedent for future progress, securing itself as a technology leader in Russia. Flyter’s next steps will involve continuous testing and eventual prototyping and certification.
Flyter 720-200
Quick SummaryRussian startup Flyter was founded in February of 2018. In April 2018, it unveiled its first vehicle concept, the PAC 420–120, a fixed wing VTOL with both electric and hybrid versions. In April 2019, it introduced the 720-200 model, which is larger and capable of a heavier payload. Flyter plans to make both cargo and passenger versions of the 720-200, which...

Flyter 720-200

Quick Summary
Russian startup Flyter was founded in February of 2018. In April 2018, it unveiled its first vehicle concept, the PAC 420–120, a fixed wing VTOL with both electric and hybrid versions. In April 2019, it introduced the 720-200 model, which is larger and capable of a heavier payload. Flyter plans to make both cargo and passenger versions of the 720-200, which is capable of payloads up to 440lbs. Flyter is currently still looking for investors to develop a full-scale prototype.
720-200
Stage of Development
Preliminary Design
Technical Details
Aircraft Type: Winged VTOL
Powerplant: All-Electric and Hybrid-electric versions are in development
Range: 560 miles
Top Speed: 155 mph
Propeller Configuration: 8 underwing propellers and 1 tail-mounted pusher propeller
Passenger/Payload Capacity: Two passengers or up to 440 lbs payload
Autonomy Level: Pilot, Autonomous Capable
Wingspan/Dimensions: Length 20.5 feet, Wingspan 23 feet, Height 8.7 feet
Our Take on Flyter
Flyter's technology has made rapid progression considering the company has only existed since 2018 and has already released two versions of its eVTOL designs. The company has disclosed they are flexible to provide a propulsion platform that caters to market demand ranging from a traditional combustion engine to a fully electric platform. Although videos have been available since 2019 showing prototype build progress, the company admits it will require iterations upon its vehicle to optimize efficiency and reach a conclusion on the most suitable powerplant given the missions for which it is designed. However, Flyter has not made any new press releases since October of 2019.
Flyter Adds PAC 720-200 VTOL, Seeks Investors
Russian startup Flyter recently unveiled a new video showcasing its PAC 720-200 VTOL. In a recent press release, the company announced that it is now officially looking for investors to help fund the creation of a prototype. As of late March, Flyter released a new design of its VTOL vehicle designed for two passengers rather than just one. Other notable...

Flyter Adds PAC 720-200 VTOL, Seeks Investors

Russian startup Flyter recently unveiled a new video showcasing its PAC 720-200 VTOL. In a recent press release, the company announced that it is now officially looking for investors to help fund the creation of a prototype.
As of late March, Flyter released a new design of its VTOL vehicle designed for two passengers rather than just one. Other notable changes in the design include the addition of two additional under-wing rotors, a shift in the position of the forward thrust propeller, the removal of the fold-out barriers that once encased the rotor blades, and the elimination of an interchangeable cargo pod. In total, Flyter will now have three models available: both a cargo and passenger version of the 720-200 (capable of a 200kg payload weight), and the original 420-123 model.

The newer 720-200 ‘family’ eVTOL (left) positioned next to Flyter’s first model, the 420-120 VTOL.
The PAC 720 now also has one tail rather than two and eliminates the fold-out barriers that once enclosed the rotor blades. Another important design choice was that the new version the aircraft can carry two passengers rather than just one.
Flyter’s general VTOL design is unique in that it includes the vertical lift rotors under the wing of the aircraft. The company made this choice in order to create what the company calls the ‘Flyt-effect’, which uses an additional lift propellor to add extra efficiency. Flyter has already tested the effectiveness of this design on a small-scale model and is will soon build a full-scale model to further prove the design. The company hopes that building this full-scale stand will help to determine propellor thrust and define the location of thrust propellors on the pylons beneath the beam spar, under the wing console.

Flyter’s computer model of the full-scale test stand it plans on building next
Notably, Flyter has only existed since February of 2018 and has made significant progress since. The latest announcement shows that the company is still very much moving forward. Investors can learn more about Flyter here.
Why its important: Flyter’s unique under-wing design shows demonstrates the multifaceted approach that many companies are taking to UAM. The critical thinking shown here exemplifies the many different possible solutions for UAM aircraft. Additionally, the shift to a two-person vehicle shows that the company is continuing to move toward a market release.
Flyter PAC VTOL 420-120
Quick SummaryFlyter was founded in February of 2018. In April 2018, it unveiled its vehicle concept, the PAC 420–120, a fixed wing VTOL with both electric and hybrid versions. The PAC 420–120 is modular, meaning its payload pod is interchangeable between a passenger and a cargo version. The aircraft's name is derived from its take-off weight of 420kg and payload...

Flyter PAC VTOL 420-120

Quick Summary
Flyter was founded in February of 2018. In April 2018, it unveiled its vehicle concept, the PAC 420–120, a fixed wing VTOL with both electric and hybrid versions. The PAC 420–120 is modular, meaning its payload pod is interchangeable between a passenger and a cargo version. The aircraft's name is derived from its take-off weight of 420kg and payload mass of 120kg. Flyter plans to release incrementally larger versions of the aircraft including the PAC 710–200 and the PAC 1350-400, and utilize a variety of powerplants from all-electric to internal combustion in order to fulfill its mission requirements.
Flyter is a Russia-based startup, and has intended for the PAC's to serve less as urban air taxis and as autonomous cargo vehicles that can transport payloads between remote regions of Russia.
Flyter
Solodovnikov Yuri
PAC 420–120
Stage of Development
Preliminary Design
Technical Details
Aircraft Type: Winged VTOL
Powerplant: All-Electric and Hybrid-electric versions are in development
Range: 99 miles (all electric); 5569 miles (hybrid-electric)
Top Speed: 150mph
Propeller Configuration: 4 underwing propellers and 1 tail-mounted pusher propeller
Passenger/Payload Capacity: Single Passenger or 265 lb payload
Autonomy Level: Autonomous or piloted
Dimensions: 19 ft wingspan, 17.8 ft length, 7 ft height
Other Information:
Operating Altitude: 500-3000 ft AGL
Our Take on Flyter:
Flyter is focused on quickly bringing a product to market that can solve an immediate problem. Various remote areas in Russian often wait up to 2 weeks for air transport and endure long gaps between deliveries of cargo and other goods; the PAC VTOL 420-120 aims to fill this gap in the country's transportation sector via the path of least resistance, which implies using a powerplant that will be most readily available and easiest to integrate at the time of manufacturing. While this means we could see an operational vehicle from Flyter sooner than other OEMs, the company admits it will also require iterations upon its vehicle to optimize efficiency and reach a conclusion on the most suitable powerplant given the missions for which it is designed.
References
The Latest News from TransportUP
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March 19, 2023Adacel’s Aurora ATM System Approved for use in the Seychelles
March 14, 2023Beta Technologies to Enhance Focus on Electric Aircraft Certification
Beta Technologies announced recently that they will enhance their focus on the development and certification of a conventional configuration electric aircraft. Beta is labeling the configuration as an eCTOL aircraft (electric conventional takeoff/landing). The company has been flight testing a conventional fixed-wing version of its eVTOL prototype, which will now become the company’s certification candidate. The aircraft, called CX300, will...

Beta Technologies to Enhance Focus on Electric Aircraft Certification

Beta Technologies announced recently that they will enhance their focus on the development and certification of a conventional configuration electric aircraft. Beta is labeling the configuration as an eCTOL aircraft (electric conventional takeoff/landing).

The company has been flight testing a conventional fixed-wing version of its eVTOL prototype, which will now become the company’s certification candidate. The aircraft, called CX300, will generate lift from its wings rather than lifting propellers and has already generated orders from the cargo, medical, and defense sectors.
“We continue to progress our ALIA eVTOL design through certification, in harmony with the eCTOL program,” BETA Technologies Founder and CEO Kyle Clark said. “The two aircraft are common in their design, allowing us to economize validation of our high-performance solutions. With the eCTOL aircraft launch, we have further de-risked our path to commercialization and concurrently provide lower cost, more utility, and optionality to operators. This has given us the confidence to industrialize and invest heavily in production at scale over the last year.”
Beta intends to have the CX300 fully certified and ready for delivery by 2025. The company will continue development and certification efforts of its ALIA-250 eVTOL which will be closely based on the design of the CX300.
The company states that manufacturing will begin at the new South Burlington production facility this summer.
Why it matters: Amid regulatory churn and uncertainty over the future market demand and infrastructure required to support the eVTOL space, manufacturers like Beta are taking a middle ground on the innovation curve. By maintaining a conventional fixed wing configuration, operators can take fully advantage of the cost savings from the implantation of an electric aircraft for commercialization, while developers still pursue eVTOL models simultaneously. With planned certification only two years away, Beta has provided itself with a new road to market entry.
Source // Beta Technologies
Related:
ZeroAvia Achieves ‘Record-Breaking’ Hydrogen Fuel Cell Performance
ZeroAvia has announced that it achieved record-breaking performance in testing of its High Temperature Proton Exchange Membrane (HTPEM) systems. Above: Zero Avia’s 19-seat hydrogen fuel cell aircraft Early testing of the pressurized 20kW HTPEM stack power module in ZeroAvia’s UK R&D location has demonstrated a record 2.5 kW/kg specific power at the cell level, paving the way for 3+ kW/kg system...

ZeroAvia Achieves ‘Record-Breaking’ Hydrogen Fuel Cell Performance

ZeroAvia has announced that it achieved record-breaking performance in testing of its High Temperature Proton Exchange Membrane (HTPEM) systems.

Above: Zero Avia’s 19-seat hydrogen fuel cell aircraft
Early testing of the pressurized 20kW HTPEM stack power module in ZeroAvia’s UK R&D location has demonstrated a record 2.5 kW/kg specific power at the cell level, paving the way for 3+ kW/kg system level densities in the next 24 months.
ZeroAvia’s team has made unprecedented deep tech breakthroughs by delivering a pressurized HTPEM system, innovative conductive coatings enabling the use of aluminum bipolar plates in highly aggressive HTPEM environments, and a novel approach to advanced membrane electrode assembly (MEA).

Related: ZeroAvia Achieves First Flight of its Hydrogen-Electric Prototype
ZeroAvia’s proprietary technology has been developed over the last three years as part of a concentrated effort to build an in-house portfolio of critical technologies for fuel cell aviation. Further R&D will deliver over 3kW/kg fuel cell system specific power, which enables a step change in performance relative to the traditional fuel cell technologies, making fuel cell propulsion commercially viable for large aircraft. Specifically, the HTPEM systems will be prime candidates to support ZeroAvia’s ZA2000 powertrain for 40-80 seat aircraft, as well as a range of rotorcraft and eVTOL applications. This next generation of fuel cells could also be sufficient to enable electric propulsion systems for 100+ seat single-aisle turbofan aircraft such as the Boeing 737 and Airbus A320.
The components used in the ZeroAvia system have already been validated through third-party independent testing at several independent labs, including a leading U.S. Department of Energy national lab. The testing confirms the potential for HTPEM systems to accelerate the development of large hydrogen-electric powertrains for large aircraft.
ZeroAvia’s recent breakthrough first flight of a 19-seat aircraft utilized Low Temperature PEM (LTPEM) fuel cell systems. Today’s LTPEM systems work well for the sub-megawatt scale of these smaller aircraft, but the lower stack core temperatures make it harder to remove heat from the larger systems. HTPEM technology eliminates a number of components from the fuel cell system and reduces cooling drag, thereby enabling commercially relevant payload and range for larger aircraft. ZeroAvia’s HTPEM can also offer greater durability, further reducing operating costs for airlines.

Val Miftakhov, CEO and founder of ZeroAvia, said: “The companies and geographies that seize the lead in high fuel cell temperatures and pressures will lead the industry. This progression is similar to the story of turbine engines, where ever-increasing temperatures and pressures drove higher and higher performance. Hydrogen fuel cell propulsion is the most environmental and economical alternative to existing engines, and HTPEM is the most promising route to delivering these benefits into large aircraft categories. I am confident that what we are demonstrating now is the core building block to delivering zero-emission flight for all categories of aircraft in the long-term.”
Interest in hydrogen combustion power, which differs from the electrically-powered fuel cell solution in ZeroAvia aircraft, has grown considerably in recent months. Hydrogen combustion engines are being developed to remove carbon emissions from flight, but they face the steep environmental penalty of maintaining or increasing the non-CO2 emissions impacts of aviation on the climate. These non-CO2 impacts are thought to have twice the climate impact of carbon emissions alone, according to a report from EASA. A non-combustion, hydrogen-electric approach like ZeroAvia’s eliminates extreme material stresses inherent in modern combustion engines, which dramatically reduces maintenance costs, further improving the economics of the hydrogen-electric propulsion.
Why it’s important: Developing fuel cell technology for aviation is critical to enable true zero-emission commercial flight, and for energy intensive applications – like large fixed wing aircraft and rotorcraft – it is necessary to increase the temperature and pressure within fuel cell stacks in order to have a commercially viable product. Increased temperature and pressure allows for air cooling, reduces cooling drag, simplifies the system, and ultimately enables much more demanding applications. Zeroavia’s demonstration of this increase capability is a major milestone in the technological development and points towards a future world of aviation that runs on hydrogen.
SkyDrive Collaborates with VPorts for Vertiports in Dubai
SkyDrive, a Japanese eVTOL developer, has announced a partnership with VPorts to establish the world’s first Advanced Aerial Mobility Integrator World Center in Dubai. Taking up 37,000 square meters, the Center will be an operations control hub for Advanced Air Mobility Aircraft in Dubai. Above: Concept Vertiport by SkyDrive VPorts Air Traffic Management Inc. (“VPorts”), is a global leader in...

SkyDrive Collaborates with VPorts for Vertiports in Dubai

SkyDrive, a Japanese eVTOL developer, has announced a partnership with VPorts to establish the world’s first Advanced Aerial Mobility Integrator World Center in Dubai. Taking up 37,000 square meters, the Center will be an operations control hub for Advanced Air Mobility Aircraft in Dubai.

Above: Concept Vertiport by SkyDrive
VPorts Air Traffic Management Inc. (“VPorts”), is a global leader in the design, construction, and operation of Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) infrastructure for upcoming vertical aircraft. The company was founded by experts in transportation infrastructure design and construction, city planning, and airport operations and design. The firm’s mission is to “shape the future development of safe advanced air mobility based on sustainable infrastructure.”
According to a recent press release by SkyDrive, the two companies have signed initial agreements to collaborate on the “technical and business” aspects of the upcoming Integrator Center, to leverage its use for the “business
development and market expansion” of both companies. This likely means that SkyDrive will have input into the Center’s design, so that it’s aerial mobility aircraft and flight services can be easily integrated.
Said Tomohiro Fukuzawa, CEO of SkyDrive, “We are pleased to be taking a part in the UAE government’s strategy for AAM, particularly in Dubai as it is one of the fastest growing and leading AAM markets in the world. we are committed to making AAM transportation affordable to all in a highly accessible way, helping commuters access city centers and mobility hubs. By collaborating with VPorts, we are able to secure an air traffic corridor for our vehicle testing with our eVTOL capabilities which would be essential to ensure its safety before deployment in the urban areas.”

Featured above is SkyDrive’s latest concept aircraft, the SD-05. This all-electric VTOL will be capable of carrying two passengers semi-autonomously, with air taxi services scheduled to launch in Osaka, Japan in 2025.
Said Dr. Fethi Chebil, CEO and Founder of VPorts, “We welcome SkyDrive to join us in shaping the future of the AAM sector by leveraging the world’s first Integrator Center, including its facilities and airspace. Our presence in Dubai is in line with our strategy and ambition to build and operate 1,500 vertiports around the world by 2045.”
Why it’s important: With this announcement, SkyDrive is making moves to establish itself as an early global leader in Advanced Aerial Mobility. By working with experts like Vports to establish the World Center, SkyDrive has an opportunity to set a global example in aerial mobility infrastructure and supporting operations.
Source // SkyDrive, VPorts
Related:
- SkyDrive brings their eVTOL Aircraft to South Carolina to break into U.S Markets (February 2023)
- SkyDrive Receives Order for up to 100 eVTOLs from Pacific Group (November 2022)
- SkyDrive Ranks Second in World Startup Competition (September 2022)
Adacel’s Aurora ATM System Approved for use in the Seychelles
Adacel Technologies, an air traffic management and ATC simulation and training systems company, announced last week their Aurora ATM system was delivered to Seychelles Civil Aviation Authority (SCAA) and has successfully passed the Site Acceptance Testing. Seychelles’ new Aurora ATM system, developed to modernize SCAA’s air traffic management system, will enhance ATM service delivery by providing surveillance control with space-...

Adacel’s Aurora ATM System Approved for use in the Seychelles

Adacel Technologies, an air traffic management and ATC simulation and training systems company, announced last week their Aurora ATM system was delivered to Seychelles Civil Aviation Authority (SCAA) and has successfully passed the Site Acceptance Testing.

Seychelles’ new Aurora ATM system, developed to modernize SCAA’s air traffic management system, will enhance ATM service delivery by providing surveillance control with space- and ground-based ADS-B stations. Aurora is a 4D flight profile-based ATM system incorporating all available surveillance sources, with advanced automation capabilities for oceanic, enroute, approach, and tower control.
“We are proud to successfully pass this important milestone with SCAA and look forward to the introduction of the Aurora ATM system into the Seychelles Flight Information Region,” shares Daniel Verret, Adacel’s CEO. “The new system will enhance airspace efficiency, enable higher levels of service to airspace users, and reduce controller workload,” continues Mr. Verret.
Speaking about the implementation of the new Aurora system, SCAA Chief Executive Officer Mr. Garry Albert said: “Reaching this project stage is a great accomplishment for us. By installing this state-of-the-art system, we will modernize the air traffic service to a level that has never been seen before in Seychelles. The collaboration with the professional team from Adacel has ensured that we have one of the most advanced systems. Combining this new technology with SCAA’s well-trained human resources, we will provide an excellent service to our stakeholders from all over the world who fly in our vast oceanic airspace located on the east coast of Africa.”
Why it’s important: The Aurora ATM system is an advancement in modern air traffic control infrastructure which should allow for proving of the system in a lower risk location while also providing data to inform future improved iterations that will be applied not only to fixed wing air traffic but eventually to unmanned aerial mobility service as well. A number of other companies in the air traffic and unmanned air traffic management space are working to further improve their offerings and prepare for increased traffic demands in the future.
Sikorsky to Enter the eVTOL Space with Technology Demonstrator
Sikorsky has announced plans to build a full scale, autonomous, hybrid-electric technology demonstrator to research commercial and military eVTOL missions. The prototype is dubbed under the program name HEX and will feature a gross weight of more than 7,000 pounds. The uncrewed aircraft will act as a test bed for evaluation of eVTOL aircraft design and propulsion systems. The project...

Sikorsky to Enter the eVTOL Space with Technology Demonstrator

Sikorsky has announced plans to build a full scale, autonomous, hybrid-electric technology demonstrator to research commercial and military eVTOL missions. The prototype is dubbed under the program name HEX and will feature a gross weight of more than 7,000 pounds. The uncrewed aircraft will act as a test bed for evaluation of eVTOL aircraft design and propulsion systems. The project also will partner with GE Aerospace and its CT7 turboshaft engine with 1MW-class generator currently under production for the US Army and NASA.

“As Sikorsky celebrates 100 years of flight innovations, it’s fitting to highlight our continued commitment to safe and sustainable transformative flight,” said Paul Lemmo, Sikorsky president. “Sikorsky’s HEX aircraft will provide critical insights into the possibilities of electric systems in VTOL aircraft. Ultimately, we want to show the potential of large, advanced air mobility vehicles to perform utility missions for the U.S. military and transport passengers between cities.”
“Bringing innovative technology is a top priority for GE Aerospace,” said Amy Gowder, President and CEO of Defense & Systems at GE Aerospace. “We are committed to developing hybrid electric propulsion systems that save fuel and optimize performance for the military and commercial applications. We are thrilled to build off our existing work with NASA and the Army to offer to power Sikorsky’s HEX aircraft and bolster the future of flight.”
The Sikorsky Innovations prototyping group will head up the HEX project under the direction of Igor Cherepinsky. Sikorsky’s MATRIX autonomy system will control flight aboard the HEX aircraft. Developed and tested extensively over the past decade, the software, hardware and sensors that comprise the MATRIX system have demonstrated high flight reliability in low-altitude and obstacle-rich scenarios. During the U.S. Army’s Project Convergence 2022 exercise, a MATRIX-controlled Black Hawk helicopter without pilots or crew on board demonstrated optionally piloted resupply missions.
Why it matters: Lockheed Martin owned Sikorsky Helicopters is one of the pillars of the helicopter manufacturing industry and their technical expertise on hovercraft will be invaluable for producing an eVTOL prototype. By partnering with GE Aerospace, Sikorsky also gains a reputable partner for its propulsion platform. Expect to see more news as the HEX technology demonstrator is built up and test flown.
AutoFlight breaks record for furthest eVTOL flight
AutoFlight, an autonomous passenger-carrying eVTOL developer based in China, has just broken the world record for the world’s furthest eVTOL flight at 155 miles. This breaks Joby Aviation’s previous record by just 1 mile. On a single charge, AutoFlight’s electric aircraft was able to complete 155 miles of flight over a pre-defined flight track. During the test flight, like during...

AutoFlight breaks record for furthest eVTOL flight

AutoFlight, an autonomous passenger-carrying eVTOL developer based in China, has just broken the world record for the world’s furthest eVTOL flight at 155 miles. This breaks Joby Aviation’s previous record by just 1 mile.

On a single charge, AutoFlight’s electric aircraft was able to complete 155 miles of flight over a pre-defined flight track. During the test flight, like during Joby’s record-setting flight, the aircraft performed both vertical take-off and landing. Notably, this is the first aircraft of its size with a ‘strut design’ to be perform a high-range flight.
Like during Joby’s flight, the test flight was remotely piloted. According to representatives from AutoFlight, the flight works towards helping the aircraft earn certification with the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) by 2025.
AutoFlight’s president, Omer Bar-Yohay, said: “This flight is both a great celebratory milestone, and a testament to the team’s incredible effort and progress in testing and incrementally pushing the aircraft’s performance envelope. It’s a remarkable achievement that shows our aircraft’s capability, and we are excited to continue working towards our next goals all the way to EASA certification in 2025.”
AutoFlight has already established a manufacturing facility near Shanghai with the capacity to produce 1,000 aircraft per year. Operating since 2017, the company’s leadership includes executives from Eviation, the helicopter division of Airbus, and Uber Elevate.
Why it’s important: Although this record does not break Joby Aviation’s by a large margin, both AutoFlight and Joby now lead the market in eVTOL prototype development. The announcement by AutoFlight puts it on par with Joby as one of the top global eVTOL aircraft makers.
Related:
- AutoFlight Releases New In-Flight Footage of its Prosperity I Proof of Concept (June 2022)
- AutoFlight eVTOL Startup Secures $100M Investment in Series A Funding (November 2021)
- AutoFlight Selects its First Location in Europe (January 2022)
- Joby Completes 150-mile Flight, Begins Part 135 Certification Process (July 2021)
Source // AutoFlight, Revolution.aero
World’s largest hydrogen fuel cell aircraft takes flight
Universal Hydrogen’s hydrogen electric DeHaviland Canada DHC8-Q300 (Dash 8) aircraft has just completed its first flight, powered by magniX electric propulsion units. Universal Hydrogen flew its 40-passenger regional airliner, nicknamed Lightning McClean, using hydrogen fuel cell propulsion at Grant County International Airport (KMWH) for 15 minutes, reaching an altitude of 3,500 MSL. The flight, conducted under an FAA Special Airworthiness Certificate,...

World’s largest hydrogen fuel cell aircraft takes flight

Universal Hydrogen’s hydrogen electric DeHaviland Canada DHC8-Q300 (Dash 8) aircraft has just completed its first flight, powered by magniX electric propulsion units.

Universal Hydrogen flew its 40-passenger regional airliner, nicknamed Lightning McClean, using hydrogen fuel cell propulsion at Grant County International Airport (KMWH) for 15 minutes, reaching an altitude of 3,500 MSL. The flight, conducted under an FAA Special Airworthiness Certificate, was the first in a two-year flight test campaign expected to culminate in 2025 with entry into passenger service of ATR 72 regional aircraft converted to run on hydrogen.
Representatives from Connect Airlines and Amelia, the US and European launch customers for the hydrogen airplanes, were on hand to witness the historic flight. Universal Hydrogen has a rapidly growing order book, today totaling 247 aircraft conversions from 16 customers worldwide, totaling over $1 billion in conversions backlog and over $2 billion in fuel services over the first ten years of operation.

“Today will go down in the history books as the true start to the decarbonization of the global airline industry and we at Connect Airlines are extremely proud of the role that we, as the first US operator, will play in leading the way with Universal Hydrogen,” said John Thomas, CEO of Connect Airlines. Connect, which will begin regional turboprop service this spring, has placed a first-position US order with Universal Hydrogen to convert 75 ATR 72-600 regional airplanes to hydrogen powertrains with purchase rights for 25 additional aircraft conversions. Deliveries will start in 2025. “We have committed to being North America’s first zero-emission airline and this historic flight, taking hydrogen, which can be made with nothing but sunshine and emitting only water, is a key milestone on our journey,” continued Thomas.
“With this technology, and the improvement of government positive regulations I am confident that we can turn the tide of public sentiment and once again make aviation a shining beacon of technological optimism,” added Alain Regourd, President of Amelia.
In this first test flight, one of the airplane’s turbine engines was replaced with Universal Hydrogen’s fuel cell-electric, megawatt-class powertrain. The other remained a conventional engine for safety of flight. The flight was piloted by Alex Kroll, an experienced former U.S. Air Force test pilot and the company’s chief test pilot. “During the second circuit over the airport, we were comfortable with the performance of the hydrogen powertrain, so we were able to throttle back the fossil fuel turbine engine to demonstrate cruise principally on hydrogen power,” said Kroll. “The airplane handled beautifully, and the noise and vibrations from the fuel cell powertrain are significantly lower than from the conventional turbine engine.”
The company’s powertrain is built around Plug Power’s ProGen family of fuel cells specially modified for aviation use. One of the unique aspects of the design is that the powertrain does not use a battery—the fuel cells drive the electric motor directly—drastically reducing weight and cost. The motor, a modified magni650 electric propulsion unit, and power electronics were supplied by Everett-based magniX. Seattle-based AeroTEC assisted with engineering efforts, including design of the modified nacelle structure, aircraft systems design and integration, as well as aircraft modifications and installation of the Universal Hydrogen powertrain onto the flight test aircraft, accomplished in less than 12 months.
Related:
- Universal Hydrogen’s DHC 8-300 Receives Special Airworthiness Certificate
- Magnix Announces Hydrogen Propulsion Development
The test flight comes on the back of successful demonstrations in December 2022 of Universal Hydrogen’s modular hydrogen logistics system conducted at the company’s engineering center in Toulouse, France. “Our business model resolves the chicken-and-egg problem between hydrogen airplanes and hydrogen infrastructure by developing both in parallel and with a uniquely low-cost approach,” said Paul Eremenko, co-founder and CEO of Universal Hydrogen. “The airplanes are converted to hydrogen using an aftermarket retrofit conversion kit, tackling the existing fleet rather than developing a brand new airplane. And hydrogen fueling uses modular capsules compatible with existing freight networks and airport cargo handling equipment, making every airport in the world hydrogen-ready.”
Why it’s important: As well-put in Universal Hydrogen’s press release, “the hydrogen-powered airplane is not just a revolutionary new product; it is a symbol of hope and progress, a beacon of light in a world that desperately needs it. Today marks a new chapter in the history of aviation and the fight against climate change. Universal Hydrogen is leading the charge, and the world is taking notice.”
GPMS Announces STC Progress on Multiple Platforms
GPMS announced today at HeliExpo 2023 that the FAA has granted a Supplemental Type Certificate (STC) for Foresight MX, the industry’s leading health and usage monitoring system (HUMS) on the Airbus AS350 B2 platform. Additionally, GPMS announced it has contracted with a HEMS operator to certify Foresight MX on the H145, and is working with Metro Aviation for certification on...

GPMS Announces STC Progress on Multiple Platforms

GPMS announced today at HeliExpo 2023 that the FAA has granted a Supplemental Type Certificate (STC) for Foresight MX, the industry’s leading health and usage monitoring system (HUMS) on the Airbus AS350 B2 platform. Additionally, GPMS announced it has contracted with a HEMS operator to certify Foresight MX on the H145, and is working with Metro Aviation for certification on the EC145 platform.
Since the initial certification on the Bell 407GX series in 2019, GPMS has received STCs on various models, including the Bell 407 Analog, Bell 429, Bell 212, Bell 412 series, MD 530F, Airbus H125/AS350 B3, Mi-8/17/171 and the UH-60A. GPMS teamed with Pathfinder Aviation, a utility operator in Alaska, to complete the AS350 B2 certification and to bring predictive HUMS to the nearly 1200 B2s flying today.

Byus continues, “Many of our customers, like Pathfinder Aviation, utilize multiple models from multiple helicopter OEMs. This historically has prevented them from seeing a one-stop, holistic view of the health of their entire fleet. With our solution, our targeted Airbus certification expansion, and our collaboration with various OEMs, more operators are benefiting from having the power of Foresight. Using it anywhere, any time, and on any web-enabled device.”
According to Todd Powers, GPMS’s Vice President of Sales, the demand for HUMS is no longer a surprise. “In the last year, we’ve more than doubled our Foresight installations and our backlog, and our CEO & cofounder, Dr. Eric Bechhoefer, has been awarded the HAI Salute to Excellence Award for Safety for his outstanding contributions to the promotion of rotorcraft safety and safety awareness. We’ve moved from showing folks the benefits HUMS can bring to them, to fulfilling orders and assisting customers with their installations as quickly as possible.”
Why it’s important: Foresight is similar to other commercial aviation prognostic and health monitoring dashboards, however the tool is uniquely optimized for use in helicopters. This type of technology could be applicable to aerial mobility aircraft in the future and would help predict maintenance activities before they’re required, increasing utilization and decreasing unscheduled maintenance downtime. GPMS is gaining valuable experience in the helicopter industry prior to aerial mobility aircraft operating at frequencies that will benefit from such integrations, however in the coming years expect a larger focus on analytics and eVTOL management dashboards, whether they’re from external horizontally integrated models or vertically integrated OEM’s.
Joby Finalizes Assembly of Company-conforming aircraft
Joby Aviation, major maker of an all-electric, passenger-carrying eVTOL has announced that it has begun final assembly of its first ‘company-conforming’ aircraft. This means this particular prototype was built in accordance with the manufacturing processes and quality management standards that will be used to mass-produce their eVTOL aircraft. This latest announcement from Joby marks a significant step forward to the...

Joby Finalizes Assembly of Company-conforming aircraft

Joby Aviation, major maker of an all-electric, passenger-carrying eVTOL has announced that it has begun final assembly of its first ‘company-conforming’ aircraft. This means this particular prototype was built in accordance with the manufacturing processes and quality management standards that will be used to mass-produce their eVTOL aircraft.

This latest announcement from Joby marks a significant step forward to the commercialization of Joby’s eVTOL, as well as a key step on the journey to achieve Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) type certification required to begin passenger-carrying operations.
Having built the major aerostructures of the aircraft – the wing, tail, and fuselage – Joby is now beginning the process of fusing the structures together and installing the wiring, electronics, actuation, and propulsion systems on this pilot production aircraft. Joby expects the aircraft to begin flight testing of the aircraft in the first half of 2023.
“Beginning final assembly of our first company-conforming aircraft is a critical achievement for Joby and a landmark for the wider eVTOL industry,” said Didier Papadopoulos, Head of Aircraft OEM at Joby.
Notably, the construction of this aircraft is in accordance with Joby’s signature Quality Management System, which includes tracking and documentation of every part on the aircraft, configuration management of engineering drawings, environmental conditions during fabrication, and actions taken by manufacturing technicians. The Quality System is reviewed regularly by the FAA as part of the company’s preparation to receive a production certificate following the type certification of the aircraft.

Above: A prototype of Joby’s eVTOL in flight
Why it’s important: This aircraft from Joby is the first of its eVTOLs to be made with the same processes that will be used to mass-produce the aircraft. This is a major milestone for the company, as it sets the company up to begin producing their aircraft at scale for commercialization as soon as all necessary certifications are earned. Notably, Joby is one of the first eVTOL developers ever to reach this stage.
Source // Joby Aviation
Innovaero and BAE Systems Australia to launch STRIX, an ‘armed’ hybrid-propulsion UAS
Innovaero has just announced its strategic partnership with BAE Systems Australia for the design, development and launch of the STRIX Uncrewed VTOL Aerial System at Avalon 2023. This is the first collaborative venture for both companies in the Australian marketplace on emerging UAS capabilities for the defense sector. STRIX is a significant Australian innovation, with Innovaero and BAE Systems Australia...

Innovaero and BAE Systems Australia to launch STRIX, an ‘armed’ hybrid-propulsion UAS

Innovaero has just announced its strategic partnership with BAE Systems Australia for the design, development and launch of the STRIX Uncrewed VTOL Aerial System at Avalon 2023. This is the first collaborative venture for both companies in the Australian marketplace on emerging UAS capabilities for the defense sector.
STRIX is a significant Australian innovation, with Innovaero and BAE Systems Australia combining to design an entirely new concept.
STRIX is a hybrid-propulsion tandem wing, with multi-domain and multi-role UAS capability. The STRIX uncrewed air system (UAS), of which a prototype is already in development, could be used for a variety of missions including air to ground strike against hostile targets and persistent intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR). It could also act as a ‘loyal wingman’ for military helicopters.
Perth-based Innovaero is a 100% Australian-owned aeronautical product design, certification, and manufacturing company, with a track record of delivering successful outcomes for clients in Australia. Its team of world-class aeronautical specialists is globally recognised for its innovation, including its world leading aerial camera array solutions.
Innovaero Group Chief Executive Officer Simon Grosser said the design and development of STRIX demonstrated the company’s capabilities for the defense sector. “To witness the capability STRIX will provide to Defence, through partnering with BAE Systems Australia, is very exciting. STRIX has the potential payload capacity, range, speed, and advanced autonomy to provide real differential over current market offerings.” Mr Grosser said.
BAE Systems Australia Chief Executive Officer Ben Hudson paid tribute to the team at Innovaero for the work delivered to date on the STRIX model and prototype. “Innovaero is an amazing team of passionate Australians specialising in novel airborne systems,” Mr Hudson said. “STRIX is a real testament to the culture that Mike has developed at Innovaero.”
Why it’s important: STRIX is an entirely new UAS concept and a significant Australian innovation, the product of close collaboration between local aerospace SME Innovaero and Australia’s largest defense prime, BAE Systems Australia. The UAS has emerged as a critical defense capability of the future. STRIX is a stride forward into the next generation of autonomous hybrid-propulsion VTOL multi-role UAS delivering sustainable superiority on the in battlefield, an opening opportunities for these vehicles in logistics transportation.
Source // Innovaero Press Release
Pelligra and Skyportz Partner to Explore Australian Vertiport Opportunities
Air taxi infrastructure company Skyportz and property developer Pelligra announced today a partnership to explore jointly developing vertiport networks to attract air taxi and drone delivery services to Australia. Speaking at the Avalon Airshow, Skyportz CEO Clem Newton-Brown said this partnership was a significant step forward for this emerging industry in Australia. “We have strong policy support from the Federal...

Pelligra and Skyportz Partner to Explore Australian Vertiport Opportunities

Air taxi infrastructure company Skyportz and property developer Pelligra announced today a partnership to explore jointly developing vertiport networks to attract air taxi and drone delivery services to Australia. Speaking at the Avalon Airshow, Skyportz CEO Clem Newton-Brown said this partnership was a significant step forward for this emerging industry in Australia.

“We have strong policy support from the Federal Government and our air regulator, CASA to develop Advanced Air Mobility in Australia. The front runner electric air taxis will be certified to operate in the next couple of years. We now need the vertiport sites and if Australia can establish a launch vertiport network we will be in a position to attract the first of these clean, green, quiet aircraft to Australian skies”.
The Agreement builds on a previous partnership between Skyportz and other property owners such as Secure Parking which has hundreds of parking sites at urban hubs.
Pelligra is a third generation family business with an extensive portfolio of over 1200 projects in Victoria, South Australia, New South Wales, Queensland and overseas.
The next step in the partnership is to focus their resources on a region or city that actively wants to be a world leader in Advanced Air Mobility. Nowhere in the world has a vertiport network yet been established, but several European and American cities are well advanced in their planning.
USA-based consultancy Nexa Capital has assessed the potential return on five use cases in cities such as Melbourne to be in excess of $5 billion in the first 20 years of operations, and the partnership between Skyportz and Pelligra aims to bridge that gap.
“The key to this industry is breaking the nexus between aviation and existing airports. We need to develop a network of new vertiport sites if the industry is to reach its potential and Skyportz is readying the landscape to partner with infrastructure partners such as Pelligra”, said Newton-Brown.
Why it’s important: The partnership between Pelligra and Skyportz will afford each member more resources to continue exploration of development sites for vertiports in Australia and reflects an increasing focus of late on vertiport infrastructure. While aerial mobility aircraft remain a large portion of the focus for AAM developments, more and more attention is also being directed toward wide-scale development of vertiport and supporting infrastructure for AAM operations.
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