JETCopter has announced successful testing of its jet-powered VTOL propulsion system, confirming feasibility for the future aircraft. The future aircraft has a predicted range of 620 miles and top speed of 180mph.

Specific details released about the turbines include that they are each 6.6ft in diameter, and create thrust comparable to 36ft helicopter rotors. On November 19th, the company sent out a press release announcing the successful testing of the propulsion system, confirming feasibility of the aircraft.

The JETCopter is unique in that it is one of the only VTOLs powered by jet-fans. It’s built to be adapted with twin 400 horsepower traditional automotive engines, which push air at high speeds through endpoint ducted nozzles that provide both lift and control for the aircraft. According to company, the contained-rotor system could be a safer option for urban areas than other designs with exposed rotors.

Aerial view of the successfully tested propulsion system.

In mid-November, JETCopter released images for an updated version of its design that can carry an additional passenger and be adapted for cargo transport. This update made it one of the largest-capacity VTOLs on the market, and gave the new aircraft the ability to drive on roads as well as through the skies.

JET Copter will bring a full-scale mockup of its latest design AERO 2019 aviation exhibition in Friedrichshafen, Germany in April 2019.

Why its important: The successful completion of the propulsion system test moves JETCopter from a pie-in-the-sky idea to a definite eventual aircraft type, which some are calling ‘copter-planes.’ The successful tests also shows that the JETCopter company can successfully deliver on its goals, and have realistic progress benchmarks. The company plans to develop a full prototype within 24 months.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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, 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 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.

Aerial mobility company Overair has partnered with the City of Arlington, Texas, and Dallas Fort Worth International Airport (DFW) to create the frameworks for electric Vertical Takeoff and Landing (eVTOL) operations.

Overair’s alliance with Arlington marks the first direct agreement between a Texan city and an eVTOL manufacturer. This strategic move includes construction of a vertiport at Arlington Municipal Airport, linking travelers seamlessly to the Entertainment District and beyond. The initiative helps to elevate and include Arlington in the advanced aerial mobility landscape and also promises to create new employment opportunities and fuel technological advancements in transport.

Meanwhile, the memorandum with DFW Airport reflects the commitment to explore vertiport development and operational integration, cementing the Metroplex’s status as a future hub for innovative air mobility. Overair’s feasibility studies will delve into the logistics of eVTOL services, addressing potential flight operations and vertiport scenarios. This effort aims to ensure that the region’s over 8 million residents and annual influx of tourists benefit from accessible, efficient, and eco-conscious travel solutions.

Central to this endeavor is Overair’s Butterfly, an eVTOL aircraft engineered for safety, efficiency, and low noise levels which is also capable of operating in a range of weather conditions. As the company moves through the FAA’s Innovate28 initiative, it remains dedicated to overcoming the logistical hurdles of urban and regional transportation.

Arlington’s commitment to innovation, coupled with DFW Airport’s pledge to foster a new era of air mobility, heralds a future where electric AAM is not just a possibility but a practical reality. This groundbreaking collaboration aligns with the city’s vision of socioeconomic progress and the airport’s dedication to sustainability, setting a precedent for cities and airports worldwide to follow suit.

Why it’s important: The integration of Overair and additional eVTOL infrastructure into Arlington and potentially across the DFW Metroplex signifies a step forward for the aerial mobility industry in North Texas. These actions are a leap characterized by the promise of swift, sustainable, and smart transportation that aligns with the evolving needs of modern societies. As these projects take flight, they are a reminder that advanced aerial mobility services are coming closer to offerability with the general public.