Results for: leonardo helicopters
Leonardo Helicopters/AgustaWestland AW609

Quick Summary
The Leonardo Helicopters/AgustaWestland AW609 is a civilian version of the military Osprey V-22 aircraft. Unlike the Osprey, the AW609 comes has a pressurized luxury cabin for flights up to 25,000 feet. Leonardo Helicopters is a well-experienced maker of aircraft ranging from helicopters to fighter jets. The AW 609 will run about $25 million per unit and is expected to be available for delivery in 2020, though specific, hard dates for its delivery readiness are not currently available.
Leonardo Helicopters (Headquartered in Rome, Italy)
Alessandro Profumo
Stage of Development
Preliminary Design
Technical Details
Aircraft Type: VTOL with moveable wing, intercity
Powerplant: 2 Pratt & Whitney PT6C turboprop engines
Range: 860 miles
Top Speed: 315 mph
Propeller Configuration: 2 tilt-rotors, each with 25ft 11in diameter
Passenger/Payload Capacity: 2 Pilots Plus 8 passengers
Autonomy Level: Piloted
Wingspan/Dimensions: 44 x 32 ft (60 ft with rotors)
Additional Information
Headquarters: Rome, Italy
CEO: Alessandro Profumo
Altitude: Up to 25,000ft
Payload: 5,500lbs
Flight Style: Two 25ft diameter rotors, each with three propellers, can tilt from vertical lift mode (like a traditional helicopter) to horizontal fixed wing flight (like a traditional airplane).
Our Take on the AW609
Leonardo Helicopters and AgustaWestland have made a unique choice by designing an aircraft based on technology that's been in military use as early as 1997, rather than designing a new vehicle from scratch. While this may prevent Leonardo/AgustaWestland from designing a vehicle completely based on visions for the future, it will likely give the AW609 quicker route to certification and ultimately private flight. This strategy, combined with Leonardo's long time expertise in making and certifying aircraft, give the AW609 a strong chance at being one of the first VTOLs in the air for private use. Additionally, the advance and certification of the AW609 may create a clearer path for other new eVTOL aircraft to be certified. However, the program has not been without challenges, including the loss of a vehicle during flight testing in 2015.
A New Urban Heliport Concept from Leonardo and Falcon Aviation Services
Famous for creating a civilian version of the Osprey V-22, Leonardo S.p.A recently unveiled a new kind of heliport designed for urban aerial mobility. At the Dubai Air Show earlier this week, Leonardo, in collaboration with Falcon Aviation Services, released its concept for a ‘rotorcraft dedicated’ terminal. According to Leonardo, the new terminal initiative is meant “meet the growing demands...

A New Urban Heliport Concept from Leonardo and Falcon Aviation Services

Famous for creating a civilian version of the Osprey V-22, Leonardo S.p.A recently unveiled a new kind of heliport designed for urban aerial mobility.

Leonardo’s new rotorcraft terminal will support the development of a network of point-to-point connections for both urban transfers and connections between cities.
At the Dubai Air Show earlier this week, Leonardo, in collaboration with Falcon Aviation Services, released its concept for a ‘rotorcraft dedicated’ terminal. According to Leonardo, the new terminal initiative is meant “meet the growing demands for sustainable and modern vertical lift mobility.” and enable “greater access to urban areas.”
Built specifically for VTOL aircraft, the terminal concept combines a helipad, lounge, and show room into a single heliport, built to be placed in densely populated urban areas. Leonardo envisions that the terminal will support both point-to-point travel within cities as well as connections between them. The terminal is made of recyclable materials, and can even be moved between urban locations according to flight demands.
Alongside this new vision for urban air transport infrastructure, Leonardo is developing the AW609, a pressurized, passenger version of the existing military Osprey V-22. Once completed, the AW609 will be the world’s fastest commercial rotorcraft. Leonardo is currently working with the FAA on certification, and expects to be able to begin commercial flights in 2020.

The Leonardo AW609 passenger tilt-rotor aircraft. The AW609 is pressurized, and fitted with a luxury interior.
Why it’s important: Although Leonardo’s concept terminal is not the first ‘Vertiport’ imagined, it may be one of the first in commercial use. Unlike existing concepts, which are specifically designed for new eVTOLs, the Leonardo/Falcon Aviation terminal will support all types of vertical lift aircraft. This means that it will soon commence service for helicopter flights, providing an excellent proving ground for future aircraft.
Sources // Leonardo
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Airbus Helicopters’ VTOL UAV Makes Maiden Flight
The VSR700 took its maiden flight on November 8 in southern France The VTOL UAV made by Airbus made its maiden flight, performing several take-offs and landings with the longest flight lasting at around 10 minutes. See Airbus’ announcement below: While not a direct development for the urban aerial mobility industry, Airbus Helicopters drone, the VSR700, an unmanned derivative of...

Airbus Helicopters’ VTOL UAV Makes Maiden Flight

The VSR700 took its maiden flight on November 8 in southern France
The VTOL UAV made by Airbus made its maiden flight, performing several take-offs and landings with the longest flight lasting at around 10 minutes. See Airbus’ announcement below:
Our prototype of #VSR700 unmanned aerial system has performed its first flight at a #drone test centre in the south of France! The VSR700 performed several take-offs and landings on Friday 8th of November with the longest flight lasting around 10 minutes.https://t.co/ALBWSvRmwp
— Airbus Helicopters (@AirbusHeli) November 12, 2019
While not a direct development for the urban aerial mobility industry, Airbus Helicopters drone, the VSR700, an unmanned derivative of the Gimbal Helicopters Cabri G2 platform, showed off its capabilities as it was tethered with 30-metre cables to fully secure the flight test zone. The next steps of the test campaign will allow to move to autonomous free flight, then gradually open the drone flight envelope, according to Airbus Helicopters. At sea testing is expected to take place in 2021 and will involve a French Navy vessel and a VSR700 operational demonstrator.
The VSR700 is capable of a maximum take-off weight between 500 and 1000 kg. Additionally, while Airbus has not released official specifications, the drone is expected to automatically land and take-off, fly for ten hours at 100 Nm and carry 100 kilos of payload, i.e. radar and optronics, as explained by the French Navy, who are expected to take on the drone as they search for a fit to their SDAM program ( Système de Drone Aérien pour la Marine) which calls for a medium size VTOL UAV to be deployed from surface combatants; many capabilities which are similar to the ones required by the UAM industry, in terms of payload and total flight capabilites.
According to Bruno Even, CEO of Airbus Helicopters, “This first flight of the VSR700 prototype is a major milestone for the programme as we make progress on the operational demonstrator for the French Navy that will perform trials in 2021 in partnership with Naval Group.”
The VSR700 prototype which has just performed its maiden flight is a step change from the optionally piloted demonstrator that first flew in 2017. For the first time, the VSR700 was fitted with specific avionics and flight controls, a payload bay, and a more aerodynamic profile to improve flight performance.
Why it’s important: The VSR700 or any of its derivatives will likely not see any part of the UAM industry, yet it is important to note the significance of the development of aircraft that are capable of taking unmanned flight for nearly a dozen hours while being able to carry roughly 6-8 passengers. The development of autonomous free flight in its complete form transferring over to Airbus’ UAM section could present a massive overhaul of how we approach the proposal of UAM services in urban areas.
Source // Naval News
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Helicopters vs eVTOLs: How will going electric improve aerial mobility?
eVTOLs have benefits that helicopters won’t be able to compete with. Helicopters are the world’s current solution to aerial mobility: a time proven system that effectively transports people and goods short to medium distances, with vertical takeoff and landing capabilities to boot. Air taxi services utilizing helicopters have operated since the 1950’s, New York Airways being one of the famed...

Helicopters vs eVTOLs: How will going electric improve aerial mobility?

eVTOLs have benefits that helicopters won’t be able to compete with.
Helicopters are the world’s current solution to aerial mobility: a time proven system that effectively transports people and goods short to medium distances, with vertical takeoff and landing capabilities to boot. Air taxi services utilizing helicopters have operated since the 1950’s, New York Airways being one of the famed initial operators that was profitable until a crash in 1977 resulted in the company going defunct.
Today, companies like BLADE have successfully implemented shared-seat and private charter model air taxi services in locales such as New York, and other mobility companies like Uber have followed suit and launched their own platform, Uber Copter in mid-2019, also operating in New York City. The usage of helicopters for on-demand aerial mobility services extends beyond the United States – Voom operates Airbus Helicopters in Sao Paulo and Mexico City. All of these companies share a common intent, which Airbus’ lists on their website:
By providing daily commuters with a more efficient transportation option, Voom addresses the challenges associated with traffic congestion in cities. At the same time, Voom enables Airbus to lay the groundwork for our longer-term vision of urban air mobility in which urban transport is powered by electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) vehicles.
BLADE, Uber, Voom, and other companies intend on making the transition to eVTOLs when the time is right. But given the operational history and depth of knowledge in a proven system like the helicopter, why expend the extra effort to replace helicopters with an entirely new system?
Noise Pollution
One of the greatest obstacles to launching any aerial mobility service is noise and visual intrusions to the public. Many aerial mobility companies that intend on utilizing eVTOLs must overcome the hurdle of community acceptance. Fortunately, existing operators have accomplished this goal with an even more challenging (and louder) system – the helicopter. Among key aspects to reduce noise and visual pollution are electrification of the power plant (reduction in turbine noise emissions) and leverage original propulsion systems (smaller rotors) that output proportionally less noise than a singular rotor system like a helicopter. Resultantly, eVTOL OEM’s prioritize noise impact reductions as a key feature of their designs and promote quieter skies as a major advantage for eVTOLs over traditional helicopters.
Safety Considerations

The Volocopter 2X, which features 18 rotors to reduce fan noise emissions during flight and mitigate single mode fan blade failure risk.
eVTOLs represent a step forward for vertical flight as designs progress away from single rotor to distributed propulsion solutions. Many eVTOLs use IDEP (Integrated distributed electric propulsion) employing several (sometimes up to 18) rotors for vertical lift. Rotor speed is independently controlled, thereby improving handling qualities and redundancies in the instance a single rotor should experience an anomaly. According to Uber Elevate’s whitepaper, eVTOL developers claim to achieve levels of safety four times safer than that of helicopters (which equates to approximately double the current safety standards in autos).
Additionally, the majority of helicopter accidents occur due to pilot or planning errors. With the advent of advanced autonomous flight control systems (updated with weather, air traffic information, and iterative flight path information) eVTOLs reduce risks associated with operator error. Even the initial piloted operations of eVTOLs will still be enhanced by the greater capabilities of flight control augmentation and situational awareness that accompanies vehicles designed for autonomous operation.
Manufacturing Costs

The Airbus Vahana, currently in prototype stage.
Manufacturing helicopters is complicated and expensive. While eVTOLs achieve similar levels of fuselage and materials complexity, many of their propulsion systems are plug-and-play: most eVTOL concepts use many of the same type of brushless DC electric motor for propulsion. While helicopters use turbines and transmissions to translate energy to thrust, electric motors driveshafts on eVTOLs are directly attached to fan blades, negating the need for transmissions. These manufacturing considerations also translate into MRO (Maintenance, Repair, and operations) architecture for aerial mobility. Helicopters require a complete overhaul of their turbine approximately every 2,000 flight hours. eVTOL motors will likely adhere to similar regulations, but in lieu of an expensive and time-consuming overhaul, electric motors would simply be removed and replaced in a few minutes.
Operational Expenses & Emissions
The most direct benefit of eVTOLs over helicopters is electrification. Electric power (at the point of operation) is cheaper and cleaner than operating gas turbines. While mid -size helicopters typically consume 50 gallons of Jet-A per hour (or $200/hour of fuel assuming a nominal Jet-A price of $4/gallon). The predicted electricity costs for an eVTOL is approximately 8.2 cents per mile [Uber Elevate Whitepaper], and at a nominal speed of 50 miles/hour, equates to a whopping $4/hour for “fuel”. In fact, for the same price as an hour of fuel for a helicopter, an eVTOL could fly over 2,400 miles (assuming recharging stops of course).
Additionally, electric operations reduce carbon emissions at the point of operation. While the electricity powering eVTOLs may not be 100% sustainably generated, electrification of aerial mobility (and aviation in general) will continue to grow as it has over the last 10 years – many examples of electric training aircraft, small commercial concepts, and hybrid systems are in operation around the world today.
Autonomous Operational System Architecture
At scale, eVTOLs intend to conduct aerial mobility operations autonomously, and integrated with airspace management systems to oversee the volume of air traffic in a highly populated urban area. Using these low altitude airspace management platforms such as AirMap and Boeing’s Skygrid, the need for pilot and air traffic controller are eliminated. Most exciting, autonomous flights such as these have already occurred – EHang completed multiple passenger-carrying autonomous flights at the 2019 Northeast Asia expo in Changchun.
So when can we expect large-scale commercial operation of eVTOLs?
Although we won’t see autonomous eVTOLs buzzing around the skies of LA, New York City, Tokyo, or London next year, progress is being made every day to enable commercial operations of electric vertical takeoff and landing aircraft. Helicopters currently serve as the gateway to lay operational framework, but studies such as one from Morgan Stanley’s research arm estimate that eVTOL aerial mobility services could be valued at up to $1.5 Trillion by the year 2040.
Over 100 companies are developing eVTOL aircraft, and Uber claims that it will launch initial services within five years. Several of the world’s major aircraft manufacturers including Airbus, Boeing, and Bell are also developing their own aircraft, many of which are already in the flight testing phase of development.
To learn more about the growing world of eVTOLs, aerial mobility, air taxis, and more, visit TransportUP’s homepage at TransportUP.com
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Sources // Uber Elevate, EHang, Volocopter, Lilium, Airbus
Leonardo’s Next-Gen Civil Tiltrotor To Be Powered by GE
Italian aerospace company Leonardo S.p.A. have been in the middle of developing their new helicopter/fixed-wing hybrid vehicle, the Next Generation Civil Tiltrotor, or NextGenCTR. The NextGenCTR was designed to meet the increasing demands of aerial mobility and maneuverability in densely populated urban areas. Recently, Leonardo has settled on using twin GE CT7 engines to power the NextGenCTR. The GE Aviation...

Leonardo’s Next-Gen Civil Tiltrotor To Be Powered by GE

Italian aerospace company Leonardo S.p.A. have been in the middle of developing their new helicopter/fixed-wing hybrid vehicle, the Next Generation Civil Tiltrotor, or NextGenCTR. The NextGenCTR was designed to meet the increasing demands of aerial mobility and maneuverability in densely populated urban areas. Recently, Leonardo has settled on using twin GE CT7 engines to power the NextGenCTR.
The GE Aviation CT7 turboshaft will be in the 2,000shp (1,490kW) class, and according to NGCTR programme manager Andrea Artioli, the main reason for choosing the CT7 was its “scaleability”. Leonardo already uses the 2,000shp-rated -2E1 variant of the engine on its AW189 super-medium-twin helicopters.
The purpose of the demonstrator is two-fold: First, it is a direct response to the EU’s Clean Sky 2 Initiative. Developing a quieter and more environmentally-friendly aircraft is one of the main goals for the NextGenCTR.
Second, Leonardo anticipates debuting a number of tilt-rotor based aircraft, including the AW609. For this purpose, the NextGenCTR will debut a number of innovations in its design, such as a new semi-tilting nacelle, V-tail, composite wings and advanced cockpit and control system. It will also serve as further proof-of-concept of the tilt-rotor system, which incorporates a fixed engine installation with a split gearbox to provide prop-rotor swivel.
Leonardo’s NextGenCTR is anticipating its first test flight sometime in 2023.
Why it’s important: The demonstrative capabilities of the NextGenCTR will most likely decide if Leonardo proceeds with a tiltrotor-based aircraft family. Choosing the GE CT7s, with their scaleability, indicates that Leonardo does have strong intentions of doing so, and will most likely sell to a variety of markets, such as rescue and transportation, where quick and quiet aerial mobility will be vital.
Sources // GE Aviation Blog
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The AW609 Osprey-Inspired Private Plane is Expected for 2020 Delivery
Leonardo Helicopters is building a civilian version of the V-22 Osprey. Unlike the military version, the AW609 has a pressurized cabin, allowing it to fly at heights up to 25,000 feet, and comes with a luxury interior. The Leonardo AW609 is the one of the world’s first private tilt-rotor aircraft, built for a number of possible applications from search and...

The AW609 Osprey-Inspired Private Plane is Expected for 2020 Delivery

Leonardo Helicopters is building a civilian version of the V-22 Osprey. Unlike the military version, the AW609 has a pressurized cabin, allowing it to fly at heights up to 25,000 feet, and comes with a luxury interior.
The Leonardo AW609 is the one of the world’s first private tilt-rotor aircraft, built for a number of possible applications from search and rescue to transportation of c-suite executives. The aircraft is capable of ascending completely vertically, like a helicopter, and then flying on a fixed-wing at over 300mph.

The AW609 in horizontal flight
The AW609 represents a unique approach to eVTOL development: While many companies such as Transcend Air, XTI Aircraft, and others have chosen to design completely new vehicles, Leonardo Helicopters has chosen to accelerate the design, production, and FAA certification processes by using technology that’s been in the military since 1997.
Leonardo plans on selling the AW609 privately only, and is not planning on building a shared ‘air taxi’ network as other short-range eVTOL companies are doing. This business model is most similar to the development of the XTI Tri-Fan 600 private eVTOL.

The AW609 Interior
Leonardo is currently working with the FAA on certification, expecting deliveries to begin in 2020. Said Gian Piero Cutillo, managing director at Leonardo, “We are certifying a new helicopter — but at the same time — a turboprop [airplane]…..It’s not an easy path because we are certifying a unique product.” This challenge of certifying a new aircraft type, which can sometimes take up to five years, is being faced by a large majority of other eVTOL aircraft on the market.
The United Arab Emirates government has placed a tentative order for three AW609’s, at a price of about $25 million USD per aircraft. It plans to use the aircraft for search and rescue operations. Learn more about the AW609 at the TransportUP Aircraft Page.

A larger version of the AW609 planned for development in 2023
Why it’s important: Leonardo Helicopters is paving the way for other unique aircraft currently in the pipeline for certification. While the AW609 is new for civilian production, it’s a well used aircraft type in the military, possibly making for an easier path to urban flight. With the FAA certification of the AW609 completed, other new eVTOLs will stand a much higher chance of certification as well.
Sources // CNN, Leonardo Helicopters, Wired
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Jaunt Air Mobility Announces Partnership with Walle
Jaunt Air Mobility and Walle announced that they have formed a partnership to provide advanced aerial mobility transit services in Italy. Furthermore, Walle plans to implement and operate this service by 2026, focusing on routes within 50 km. “Walle is a perfect strategic partner; our mission at Jaunt is to produce the safest and most efficient eVTOL on the market...

Jaunt Air Mobility Announces Partnership with Walle

Jaunt Air Mobility and Walle announced that they have formed a partnership to provide advanced aerial mobility transit services in Italy. Furthermore, Walle plans to implement and operate this service by 2026, focusing on routes within 50 km.
“Walle is a perfect strategic partner; our mission at Jaunt is to produce the safest and most efficient eVTOL on the market and work with operators around the world,” says Martin Peryea, CEO of Jaunt Air Mobility. “We feel confident in our ability to commercialize our aircraft by 2026. The unique configuration of combining a fixed-wing airplane and single slow-rotor technology gives us revolutionary performance and the highest level of safety amongst all the eVTOL contenders.”
Currently, Walle is working with the regulatory authorities and mapping out its first key routes for their aerial mobility service, including a route from Milan Airport to the city center of Milan, as well as one connecting the Port of Naples to Capri’s Island. Walle will also intends on providing their services for the Milano Cortina XXV Winter Olympics in 2026.
“Our goal is to change the future of mobility,” says Domenico Gagliardi, founder and CEO of Walle. “Italy, as in much of Europe, is challenged by the time it takes to travel from outside a city to an urban center, often costing two or more hours one way, and the problem is only growing. ‘Going Vertical’, – to the sky is the obvious answer. We believe the Jaunt Journey by Jaunt Air Mobility offers a solution that meets with our core values of providing a safe, comfortable, and ultra-quiet ride for passengers.”
“We see business travelers and tourists utilizing our services. Our focus is entirely on the customer experience and, we believe safety will be a key in the adoption of this form of transit. Because Jaunt offers patented safety features and the ability to meet commercial, regulatory requirements, success is just around the corner,” stated Marco Pugliese, COO at Walle.
Why it’s important: Walle Mobility is the first Italian startup focused on the aerial mobility market. By partnering with Jaunt Air Mobility, both companies gain a competitive advantage in their respective markets.
Source // Jaunt Air Mobility and Walle Mobility Press Release
GM Unveils eVTOL Concept at CES 2021
GM has announced its entry into the aerial mobility space at this year’s CES conference highlighting the latest in consumer technology. The prototype was unveiled at GM’s Exhibit Zero. GM stated the vehicle will be Cadillac-branded and will feature a four-rotor design offering speeds up to 56mph and powered by a 90-kWh battery. While no significant project timelines nor technical...

GM Unveils eVTOL Concept at CES 2021

GM has announced its entry into the aerial mobility space at this year’s CES conference highlighting the latest in consumer technology. The prototype was unveiled at GM’s Exhibit Zero.
GM stated the vehicle will be Cadillac-branded and will feature a four-rotor design offering speeds up to 56mph and powered by a 90-kWh battery. While no significant project timelines nor technical details were unveiled at this week’s conference, GM joins the likes of Fiat-Chrysler which also announced a partnership this week to develop an eVTOL vehicle.
As EV platforms evolve and become commonplace in society, GM sees eVTOL as the next logical step in revolutionizing transportation. Over the next several years, GM will be investing heavily into its Ultium EV hardware program. Early applications will focus on revolutionizing the automotive industry and providing EV’s for a wide variety of customers’ needs.
The preliminary prototype appears to be 1-passenger configuration, although the company hinted at future models which can hold an additional passenger. Both models would likely be autonomous, not requiring any pilot inputs by passengers. Not much else is known about the prototype or when it can be expected to take flight.
Why it matters: GM joins the ranks of automakers piling into aerial mobility either through direct investments/programs or financial backing of existing eVTOL makers. Advancements in electric vehicle technologies such as unit costs and energy density are disrupting the automotive industry and it will be only a matter of time before these technologies enable commercial aerial mobility services. The continual buy-in for an aerial mobility focused world by bluechip companies will certainly reduce the barriers to making UAM a reality.
Source: CNET.com
Fiat Chrysler and Air Taxi Startup Archer Partner for eVTOL Production
Archer and Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (FCA) announced that they have entered into a definitive agreement to enable Archer to benefit from access to FCA’s low-cost supply chain, advanced composite material capabilities, and engineering and design experience. California-based Archer is creating the world’s first all-electric airline that moves people throughout the world’s cities in a quick, safe, sustainable, and cost-effective manner....

Fiat Chrysler and Air Taxi Startup Archer Partner for eVTOL Production

Archer and Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (FCA) announced that they have entered into a definitive agreement to enable Archer to benefit from access to FCA’s low-cost supply chain, advanced composite material capabilities, and engineering and design experience.
Credit // Archer
California-based Archer is creating the world’s first all-electric airline that moves people throughout the world’s cities in a quick, safe, sustainable, and cost-effective manner. The new partnership will help accelerate Archer’s timeline in becoming an industry leader with the resources and capabilities to capitalize on the new era of sustainable air mobility, a market that Morgan Stanley estimates will be $1.5 trillion by 2040. Last May, Archer emerged from ‘stealth mode’ and announced its plan to deliver a sustainable and efficient vehicle with the financial support of investors including Walmart eCommerce CEO Marc Lore.
Related: Archer Joins Aerial Mobility Space with eVTOL Prototype
Archer will manufacture high-volume, composite, electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft, with the intent of starting production in 2023. FCA, the parent company of established automobile brands including Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep, and Ram, has already collaborated on cockpit design elements of Archer’s first aircraft which is expected to be unveiled in early 2021. The 100% electric aircraft will be capable of traveling distances of up to 60 miles at 150 mph. Through this announced collaboration, the companies will work together to significantly decrease the cost of production, enabling Archer to bring affordably priced services to customers via its ultra-quiet, high-performance eVTOL aircraft.
“We’ve been hyper-focused on a customer-first approach to vehicle design and aircraft operations,” said Brett Adcock, Co-Founder & Co-CEO of Archer. “Now we are working with a seasoned, industry-leading automotive partner to leverage cost benefits and experience that will allow Archer to produce thousands of aircraft reliably and affordably every single year.”
“Electrification within the transportation sector, whether on roads or in the air is the future and with any new and rapidly developing technology, scale is important,” said Doug Ostermann, Vice President and Head of Global Business Development of FCA. “Our partnership with Archer has mutual benefits and will enable innovative, environmentally friendly transportation solutions to be brought to market at an accelerated pace.”
“We are excited to team up with one of the world’s largest automotive companies on our mission of advancing the benefits of sustainable air mobility” said Adam Goldstein, Co-Founder & Co-CEO of Archer. “This is a first-of-its-kind deal for one of Detroit’s Big Three auto makers in moving into the Urban Air Mobility space. There is now a clear path for Archer to bring mass production to this industry, changing the way people travel in and around cities forever.”
Why it’s important: Archer’s partnership with one of the world’s largest car manufacturers is expected to assist the startup in lowering its purchasing costs and accelerating the launch of its eVTOL air taxi. FCA’s expertise and established supply chain will also enable the two companies to minimize the cost of manufacturing, making high-volume manufacturing achievable and sustainable.
EHang to Provide UAM Services in Hengqin, China
EHang Holdings Limited (Nasdaq: EH) , a leading autonomous aerial vehicle (“AAV”) technology platform company, has announced strategic partnerships with Zhuhai Da Heng Qin Pan-Tourism Development Co., Ltd., Zhuhai Huafa Sports Operations Management Co., Ltd. and Flying World (Zhuhai) Technology Co., Ltd. to jointly initiate Urban Air Mobility (“UAM”) operations for aerial sightseeing and other air mobility services in the...

EHang to Provide UAM Services in Hengqin, China

EHang Holdings Limited (Nasdaq: EH) , a leading autonomous aerial vehicle (“AAV”) technology platform company, has announced strategic partnerships with Zhuhai Da Heng Qin Pan-Tourism Development Co., Ltd., Zhuhai Huafa Sports Operations Management Co., Ltd. and Flying World (Zhuhai) Technology Co., Ltd. to jointly initiate Urban Air Mobility (“UAM”) operations for aerial sightseeing and other air mobility services in the Hengqin New Area, the largest island and a Free Trade Zone in southeast Zhuhai in Guangdong Province of China. By establishing AAV experience centers and a suite of supporting service systems, EHang seeks to integrate its AAVs into the daily life of the local population.

The EHang 216 passenger AAV (Autonomous Aerial Vehicle)
During a signing ceremony held on January 8, a fleet of EHang 216 AAVs made passenger-carrying flights in Tianqin Park in Hengqin. The flights were observed by local government officials, enterprise representatives, media outlets, and local residents. A total of 36 passengers flew in the autonomous EHang 216, enjoying safe and comfortable aerial sightseeing trips. Through this event, EHang fully demonstrated its cutting-edge technology for the centralized management of multiple simultaneous flights of AAVs in distributed operations under command-and-control systems.
Li Weihui, Deputy Secretary of the Hengqin New Area, said, “We warmly welcome the arrival of EHang passenger-grade AAVs to Hengqin. We believe this new style of intelligent air mobility will have more and better uses and will flourish in our beautiful Hengqin.”
Resting on the west bank of the Pearl River estuary, the Hengqin New Area is regarded as the core of Pearl River Delta and boasts a unique geographical location adjacent to Hong Kong and Macau. With an advantageous geographical location, pleasant natural scenery, and rich tourism resources, it boasts favorable conditions and market demand for the development of short- and medium-haul urban air transportation. According to the Outline of the Development Plan for the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area and the Overall Development Plan of Hengqin issued by the State Council of the People’s Republic of China, Hengqin will become a demonstration area for in-depth cooperation among Guangdong, Hong Kong and Macao and an international leisure and tourism destination suitable for living, working and travel, accelerating the integrated development of tourism in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area.
Lu Ting, CEO of Flying World (Zhuhai) Technology Co., Ltd., commented, “We are excited to cooperate with EHang and other strategic partners. By leveraging EHang’s world’s leading AAV technology and strong support from local government, we see promising market development potential and are confident that we can integrate air mobility services into the leisure and tourism industry in Hengqin. We believe this effort can gradually expand across the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area to form synergistic operations and development.”
Watch the video of EHang 216 AAVs conducting passenger-carrying flights in Hengqin below:
Why it’s important: With this announcement, EHang furthers its trend as a trailblazer for aerial mobility initiatives in China and internationally. While EHang’s eventual goal is for these aircraft to be used for commuting, tourism represents a very high-potential immediate use case for these aircraft, since they are more economical, less impactful on the environment, and much quieter than helicopters, which currently service the tourism segment. Additionally, Hengqin is being added to a list of many cities in which EHang has already launched operations, helping them lay the groundwork for their vision of urban air transport throughout China and internationally.
Related:
- EHang Launches Aerial Tourism Program with Greenland Hong Kong
- Linz, Austria to be added to List of EHang’s Pilot Cities
- EHang 216 Makes its Korean Debut
Source // EHang
How a Solar Aircraft’s Avionics Package could be perfectly suited for Aerial Mobility
Aircraft such as Airbus’ Zephyr serve as great examples of how avionics technology for experimental aircraft can be applied to aerial mobility. The Zephyr is a solar-electric, stratospheric UAS, meaning that it can fly high enough to avoid most weather, but while staying in enough atmosphere to remain aloft from lift only. The aircraft relies on solar energy, and has...

How a Solar Aircraft’s Avionics Package could be perfectly suited for Aerial Mobility

Aircraft such as Airbus’ Zephyr serve as great examples of how avionics technology for experimental aircraft can be applied to aerial mobility.
The Zephyr is a solar-electric, stratospheric UAS, meaning that it can fly high enough to avoid most weather, but while staying in enough atmosphere to remain aloft from lift only. The aircraft relies on solar energy, and has a wingspan of 25m. Batteries charge during the day from solar panels integrated into the wings of the aircraft, which allow the aircraft to remain in flight for a staggering 25 days, 23 hours, and 57 minutes. Such an airplane requires extremely light and efficient components to enable such long endurance figures, and the Zephyr team needed to include a certifiable transponder, ADS-B, and GPS package that met global airspace requirements all while having a having minimal size, weight, and power consumption.
Paul Beard, Founder and CEO of uAvionix, characterized the integrated ADS-B and GPS system: “every gram and milliwatt has to earn its way onto the platform for customers like Zephyr. The combined weight of the ping200X transponder and truFYX GPS is only around 70 grams and consumes less than 2 Watts of power while providing high power (54dBm), high integrity transmissions of ADS-B and transponder mode data to Air Traffic Control (ATC) and nearby, suitably equipped aircraft.”

Visualization from uAvionix of their lightweight ADS-B receiver.
UASweekly.com shared a summary of the contextual integration of this sort of avionics technology on their website recently: “Earlier this year, the FAA published its Upper Class E Traffic Management (ETM) Concept of Operations (CONOPS). Operations in upper Class E airspace have historically been limited due to the challenges faced by conventional fixed-wing aircraft in reduced atmospheric density. However, recent advances in power and propulsion technology, aircraft structures, flight automation, and aerodynamics have increased the number of vehicles like Zephyr that can operate in this environment. The utilization of traditional aviation technologies such as ADS-B and Mode S transponders are a key component of this CONOPS to allow for interoperability with existing Air Traffic Control (ATC) infrastructure and Traffic Collision Avoidance System (TCAS) avionics.’
Why it’s important: Companies like uAvionix, which are producing incredibly lightweight, capable ADS-B and GPS technology, are poised to fare well for plug-and-play avionics applications to a portion of aerial mobility aircraft that are currently in development. Of special consideration in this instance are these devices’ relatively high level of functionality for just a few grams of weight. While some aerial mobility companies are vertically integrating their avionics tech, precedent shows that a portion of companies approaching majority will elect to utilize already certified and flightworthy avionics packages, such as those being developed by uAvionix.
Blade and Ross Aviation Announce Strategic Alliance
BLADE Urban Air Mobility and fixed base operator Ross Aviation have entered into a strategic partnership to further the roll-out of urban air mobility services in certain areas. These regions will include areas where Ross Aviation and Blade operations overlap. BLADE is a market leader in modern urban air mobility, having already created a large network of on-demand, by-the seat...

Blade and Ross Aviation Announce Strategic Alliance

BLADE Urban Air Mobility and fixed base operator Ross Aviation have entered into a strategic partnership to further the roll-out of urban air mobility services in certain areas. These regions will include areas where Ross Aviation and Blade operations overlap.

Passengers disembark a BLADE helicopter arriving in Manhattan
BLADE is a market leader in modern urban air mobility, having already created a large network of on-demand, by-the seat helicopter transportation options within many of the world’s major cities. By partnering with Ross Aviation, a nationwide operator of fixed base operation terminals at seventeen different airports, BLADE will launch a pilot program offering daily helicopter flights between Ross Aviation’s West Terminal at the Westchester County Airport and Blade heliport terminals in Manhattan to serve commuters from the Westchester/Connecticut area.
In addition, the two companies will create blueprints for an eVTOL vertiport located at the Westchester airport, as BLADE eventually plans to phase out its helicopter fleet in favor of eVTOL aircraft. The plans will include the infrastructure required to hangar, charge, stage and deploy eVTOLs.

Vision of an urban eVTOL Vertiport, created by Volocopter
According to Rob Wiesenthal, CEO of BLADE: “Even with the expected increase of remote working post-pandemic, we believe that intermittent commuting of one to two times per week between the suburbs and New York City will be a reality. Congestion on tri-state area roads is now estimated at 90% of pre-pandemic levels. Given the combination of being near Uber Black pricing at $175, and the time savings of an approximately 12-minute flight, this service makes sense today and over the long term.”

A passenger on a BLADE Urban Air Mobility flight
A recent press release detailed the companies’ plan to launch a pilot program offering daily helicopter flights between Ross Aviation’s West Terminal at the Westchester County Airport (the “Airport”) and Blade heliport terminals in Manhattan. “In 2019 alone, these commuters took more than 40 million trips commuting to and from New York City, the majority driving alone in a car for 1-2 hours in each direction.
Blade expects the five-day-per-week service to begin as early as March 2021, transforming that 1-2 hour drive into a 10-15 minute flight.” Blade also has plans to offer commuter passes in an effort to reduce the per seat cost to $95.
Why it’s important: The collaboration of these two companies represents the beginning of the transition from traditional urban travel to the advent of eVTOL. Through this partnership, BLADE will utilize Ross Aviation’s operator expertise to first introduce its helicopter fleet to commuting, and then eventually, its eVTOL fleet.
Related:
USAF Selects Metawave as Part of Agility Prime Initiative
The United States Air Force (USAF) has selected Metawave Corporation to provide next-generation radar solutions for eVTOL aircraft. The contract was awarded as a part of the USAF’s Agility Prime initiative, which seeks to advance the development of enabling technologies required to realize eVTOL platforms by 2023. The initial phase of the study will identify and improve upon the company’s...

USAF Selects Metawave as Part of Agility Prime Initiative

The United States Air Force (USAF) has selected Metawave Corporation to provide next-generation radar solutions for eVTOL aircraft.

SPEKTRA can detect obstacles and road features up to 300m ahead of a vehicle. Metawave seeks to add 3D capability and increased range for eVTOL platforms.
The contract was awarded as a part of the USAF’s Agility Prime initiative, which seeks to advance the development of enabling technologies required to realize eVTOL platforms by 2023. The initial phase of the study will identify and improve upon the company’s current radar offering, SPEKTRA, for aerial operations.
SPEKTRA is a compact analog antenna system which has been successful in the automotive industry in providing a high precision/resolution radar platform out to 330 meters (1082 ft). The platform currently is used for functions including cruise control, lane change assist, and automated emergency braking. Metawave can upgrade SPEKTRA to enable precision eVTOL navigation and obstacle avoidance.
In the first phase, Metawave will parter with Arizona State University to modify SPEKTRA for longer ranges and navigation in three-dimensional space.
“Both the automotive and eVTOL markets require the highest level of precision delivered by SPEKTRA,” Achour said. “For both applications, the ability to reliably distinguish between several objects close together in all weather and light conditions is an important capability for all phases of transport, including flight. The most significant difference is the operational range of the radar.”
Following the completion of Phase One, Metawave will apply for a Phase Two contract to bring operational radar hardware to USAF personnel. The Phase Two effort will include a series of field tests of the proposed design array under a variety of varied situations and environments.
Why it matters: The USAF has already awarded $38M to several contractors building the infrastructure and technologies required to realize the future of aerial mobility. Metawave’s work in developing radar solutions for the automotive industry can be complemented on eVTOL platforms with upgrades in range and 3D capability. The ability to use radar as a means of close-range navigation and obstacle avoidance will also be key in enabling autonomous operations of eVTOL air-vehicles. Expect similar studies and investments to surface as aerial mobility moves closer to reality.
Hatzolah Air to Receive 4 CityHawk Aircraft from Urban Aeronautics for EMS Services
Urban Aeronautics has reached an agreement with Hatzolah Air to provide four CityHawk VTOL aircraft for EMS applications. Additionally, Hatzolah Air will serve as Urban Aeronautics’ official sales representative and distribution channel to other EMS and rescue organizations worldwide. This agreement builds upon the MOU that the two companies reached in August of 2020, in order to develop, produce, and...

Hatzolah Air to Receive 4 CityHawk Aircraft from Urban Aeronautics for EMS Services

Urban Aeronautics has reached an agreement with Hatzolah Air to provide four CityHawk VTOL aircraft for EMS applications. Additionally, Hatzolah Air will serve as Urban Aeronautics’ official sales representative and distribution channel to other EMS and rescue organizations worldwide. This agreement builds upon the MOU that the two companies reached in August of 2020, in order to develop, produce, and market the CityHawk aircraft for EMS applications.
The CityHawk’s design is well-suited for EMS services and aerial mobility, both of which prefer small, lightweight, VTOL vehicles. The CityHawk is a twin-engine VTOL aircraft that utilizes jet propulsion and features Urban Aeronautics’ internal rotor Fancraft technology which implementes powerful ducted fans and possesses superior control, stability, speed, safety, noise reduction, and sustainability. One of the main advantages that the CityHawk will hold over conventional EMS aircraft such as rescue helicopters is the size; the CityHawk is comparable in size but can hold 20% to 30% more in the cabin, and lower noise pollution. Urban Aeronautics plans to finish the development of the CityHawk, achieve FAA certification for EMS use, and be ready for commercial production within three to five years.
The CityHawk currently incorporates two SAFRAN Arriel 2N helicopter engines, 2 x 985 SHP. The 2N features a new axial compressor, a new HP compressor diffuser, new HP turbine blade material, and a dual-channel Full Authority Digital Engine Control linked to a modernized fuel system.
Hatzolah Air is a 501c3 Disaster Response Organization that assists with urgent and emergent calls for help for patients and those in need. Currently, Hatzolah Air utilizes fixed-wing aircraft for Hatzolah’s urgent and emergent missions. Urban Aeronautics’ engineers will be working closely with Hatzolah’s experts to tailor the CityHawk flying ambulance for Hatzolah’s operations, where it will accommodate a pilot, as well as a patient, companion, two EMS personnel, and will include a complete suite of onboard life support equipment.
Why it’s important: Urban Aeronautics has had a long track record of successful VTOL development, starting with the Cormorant. This agreement allows Urban Aeronautics to gain a foothold in the EMS service industry, and hopefully display the full potential of the CityHawk once finished.
Source // Green Car Congress
EASA Merges VTOL and General Aviation Certification Departments
The following information was initially published by Aviation International News and can be found on AINOnline. According to a European Union Aviation Safety Agency spokesman, EASA has reorganized its certification directorate, merging the departments handling general aviation fixed-wing and vertical takeoff and landing (VTOL) aircraft, including drones. The news was reported in a recent publication by Aviation International News (AIN), and...

EASA Merges VTOL and General Aviation Certification Departments

The following information was initially published by Aviation International News and can be found on AINOnline.
According to a European Union Aviation Safety Agency spokesman, EASA has reorganized its certification directorate, merging the departments handling general aviation fixed-wing and vertical takeoff and landing (VTOL) aircraft, including drones. The news was reported in a recent publication by Aviation International News (AIN), and follows announcements made earlier in 2020 regarding the Agency’s progress toward a full set of certification standards that Europe will need to adopt for the commercial operation of air taxis.
The new department opened on January 1 and is being led by David Solar, who reports to EASA certification director Rachel Daeschler. Solar previously was in charge of the VTOL department, which includes helicopters.
“This will deal with all general aviation products [including business jets] and all VTOL, as well as the certification of eVTOL [aircraft] and of drones,” explained a spokesman to AIN. However, the directorate does not cover the regulation of operations and flight crew licensing for these categories of aircraft.
Examples of eVTOL aircraft the latest EASA standards will apply to: Vertical Aerospace Seraph (left), The Lilium Jet (middle), and the Volocopter Velocity (right).
The European Union Aviation Safety Agency said it now expects to publish the final version of its means of compliance for its new Special Condition VTOL type certification rules in early 2021. In 2019, EASA announced its initial plans to publish certification standards for electric and hybrid VTOL aircraft, aimed at those designed for urban environments such as Lilium, Volocopter, and Vertical Aerospace‘s eVTOLs. According to Aviation International News, EASA had deferred planned publication in December because it needed more time to take account of the large volume of industry comments it received to draft proposals published on May 25, 2020.
Related: EASA Releases Proposed Certification Standards for eVTOLs
On the subject, AIN also wrote that the final version of the means of compliance for a special condition for certifying hybrid and electric propulsion systems will be published in the early part of this year.
Why it’s important: EASA’s effort to normalize the certification process and regulations with regard to VTOL aircraft demonstrates an initiative that will expedite the integration of VTOL technologies into global transportation systems. The merging of departments also conveys promising news for manufacturers and future operators of VTOL aircraft fleets, which will likely lead to continued motivation for pursuing research and development in the growing industry. Additionally, this positive feedback has potential to positively influence investors’ willingness to fund current and prospective projects as the regulatory infrastructure develops.
Source // AINOnline
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