Results for: vahana
Airbus Concludes Testing of Vahana at Pendleton
Airbus, one of Pendleton Unmanned Aerial System Range’s largest customers, is moving out Airbus had been utilizing the space at the Pendleton Range to work on Project Vahana; their unmanned air taxi concept. Steve Chrisman, the airport manager and economic development director of the Pendleton Range, confirmed on December 17th that A^3, the Silicon Valley subsidiary of French aviation company...

Airbus Concludes Testing of Vahana at Pendleton

Airbus, one of Pendleton Unmanned Aerial System Range’s largest customers, is moving out
Airbus had been utilizing the space at the Pendleton Range to work on Project Vahana; their unmanned air taxi concept. Steve Chrisman, the airport manager and economic development director of the Pendleton Range, confirmed on December 17th that A^3, the Silicon Valley subsidiary of French aviation company Airbus, had finished up testing for Project Vahana at Pendleton and was moving out of town.
Zach Lovering, VP of A^3’s urban air mobility systems, wrote in a blog post late December that the group had achieved everything that they had set out to do since they first started testing the aircraft in January 2018. Lovering additionally reported that during the time A^3 was testing, Project Vahana had created four to six full-time jobs, although none of the employees would continue with Pendleton.
According to Chrisman, the reasoning behind Airbus’ departure from Pendleton was fully specified, but it was confirmed that the company would forward the information from Project Vahana over to other air-taxi projects being worked on internationally. Although Airbus is moving on, Chrisman said the city’s working relationship with the company was good and both sides could reconnect one day on a future project. Chrisman was optimistic about the future of UAS in Pendleton, quoted as saying:
We’re going to see a lot of movement in the next decade or two.
Airbus’ departure comes in the midst of a multi-million dollar industrial project in the city of Pendleton in anticipation of rapid growth in the UAS industry. According to Chrisman, turnover should be expected at the UAS range in the future, but one of those companies settling down to start a production facility was still expected.
Why it’s important: Airbus’ departure from Pendleton and the conclusion of testing for Project Vahana indicates that the company has drawn all relevant data on the air taxi demonstrator that is required for the time being, and can now augment and advance their current designs with the learnings from the variety of testing that was conducted at Pendleton. Additionally, Pendleton Range now has space and resources available to other aerial mobility companies that are interested in testing their concepts.
Source // East Oregonian
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The Vahana Alpha Two: What Airbus’ Demonstrator Tells Us
At this year’s EAA AirVenture in Oshkosh, Wisconsin, Airbus highlighted its eVTOL tilt-wing demonstrator, the Vahana Alpha Two. While the Vahana shows great promise, Airbus rep. Amanda Simpson outlines some of UAM’s Challenges. Featuring eight 45-kW electric motors and a slightly reworked design, the sleek single-seater was on display at the Airbus booth in Oshkosh. The eVTOL has been in...

The Vahana Alpha Two: What Airbus’ Demonstrator Tells Us

At this year’s EAA AirVenture in Oshkosh, Wisconsin, Airbus highlighted its eVTOL tilt-wing demonstrator, the Vahana Alpha Two. While the Vahana shows great promise, Airbus rep. Amanda Simpson outlines some of UAM’s Challenges.
Featuring eight 45-kW electric motors and a slightly reworked design, the sleek single-seater was on display at the Airbus booth in Oshkosh. The eVTOL has been in the works for a while, under Airbus’ Silicon Valley based division, A^3. Amanda Simpson, Airbus America’s Vice President for Research and Technology, was present at Oshkosh and weighed in on some of the issues that any UAM ventures would bring.
The all-electric eVTOL was designed with urban air mobility in mind, but potential obstacles to market include battery life and charging speeds. Said Simpson: “There’s only so much energy you can pump into these things over a given period of time. You have to be able to recharge these vehicles when they land. Does that mean swapping out batteries or plugging it in? Where is that energy coming from? How many times can you recharge a battery before you can’t get the maximum utilization out of it? It’s very easy to measure fuel left in a tank, not so much to determine how many megawatt-hours are left in your battery.”

“There are limitations as to what we can do with (existing) batteries,” said Simpson, “The [UAM] vehicles that are out there have a range of about 30 miles. Battery technology is going to have to come along much further if we are going to have 100 percent electric vehicles.”
While the Vahana was created to answer questions, there are still some that remain according to Simpson. “The question is how to demonstrate the capabilities of the aircraft and how do we work with EASA or the FAA to develop regulations to govern these? How do you work with the cities and the urban infrastructure to provide landing places? How do you develop an app for your phone that will allow you to call and schedule service and the whole infrastructure behind that?”
The answer to these questions will likely determine the direction that UAM takes in the next decade.
Why it’s important: UAM aircraft, including any future models that Airbus incorporates into their fleet, will most likely begin as hybrids. While demonstrators such as the Vahana Alpha Two can run purely on electricity in practice, the limitations in battery technology today are simply too high for the commercial and economic demands that would be brought by a UAM market. How these hurdles are approached by competitors in the UAM market will determine what the transportation industry will look like in the next decade.
Sources // EAA AirVenture, AINonline
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Airbus Vahana Achieves Full Transition Flight
The Airbus Vahana prototype has achieved flight with its wings fully transitioned to horizontal cruise mode. Earlier this year, the Airbus Vahana test aircraft successfully completed a test flight in which the aircraft’s wings rotated partially into horizontal cruise stage, reaching speeds of about 57mph. In the latest test (Vahana’s 66th), the tilt-wing rotates into “full cruise configuration”, allowing the aircraft...

Airbus Vahana Achieves Full Transition Flight

The Airbus Vahana prototype has achieved flight with its wings fully transitioned to horizontal cruise mode.
Earlier this year, the Airbus Vahana test aircraft successfully completed a test flight in which the aircraft’s wings rotated partially into horizontal cruise stage, reaching speeds of about 57mph. In the latest test (Vahana’s 66th), the tilt-wing rotates into “full cruise configuration”, allowing the aircraft to reach speeds of over 100mph. Watch the full flight test video from Airbus here:
This latest test flight marks a significant step forward for Airbus, whose eventual goal is to make the Vahana part of a larger UAM system. The version of the Vahana seen here is planned as a demonstration vehicle for airbus to introduce to the public. Although it only has one seat, the Vahana Alpha Two is piloted autonomously, and features a completely finished interior, which will give riders the full sense of what autonomous flight will be like.

A close-up of the Airbus Alpha Vahana Two
According to Zach Lovering, Vice President of UAM Systems for Airbus, the latest full transition flights “represent everything we set out to achieve when we began our flight test campaign.” The Vahana demonstrator is still undergoing testing in Pendleton, Oregon.
The Airbus Vahana represents just one of Airbus’s many bids for UAM flight. Airbus has several prototypes being tested for various types of UAM, including the Airbus Pop.Up Next modular concept, which is capable of both road and air transport, as well as the Airbus CityAirbus, which is designed for intracity transport and completed its first test flight last month. Both vehicles are capable of autonomous flight.

The Airbus CityAirbus, which completed its first test flight last May.
Why it’s important: The successful test of the Airbus Vahana in cruise represents another step forward for Airbus UAM flight. The Vahana has successfully proven Airbus’s concept for tilt-wing transitions, which is often considered the most difficult aspect of eVTOL design. With this latest achievement, Airbus even more deeply establishes its UAM presence in preparing for the larger industry launch.
Airbus’ New Demonstrator: The Vahana Alpha Two
Airbus A^3, the Silicon Valley-based division of the Airbus, has long been working on developing its eVTOL concept to improve air mobility for passengers in urban areas. Recently, they publicized reaching the 50 flight test milestone for their first full scale demonstrator, the Vahana Alpha One. Just earlier this week, Airbus AA3 released many more photos of its second demonstrator —...

Airbus’ New Demonstrator: The Vahana Alpha Two

Airbus A^3, the Silicon Valley-based division of the Airbus, has long been working on developing its eVTOL concept to improve air mobility for passengers in urban areas. Recently, they publicized reaching the 50 flight test milestone for their first full scale demonstrator, the Vahana Alpha One. Just earlier this week, Airbus AA3 released many more photos of its second demonstrator — named the Alpha Two — to accompany a first sneak peek seen during the publication of the Alpha One milestone.

Airbus’ Vahana Alpha Two eVTOL at Pendleton
“Here you’ll find a first-person perspective of what it might be like to take a seat under the canopy, be personally welcomed by Vahana’s screen, and see the horizon laid out in front of you as you prepare to take off.” Airbus A^3
Interestingly, there will not be a pilot in the cockpit in front of you when you’re on board the Alpha Two. Instead, just a single screen displaying the flight path ahead and an automated flight controls system with real-time autonomous decision-making capabilities. However, for now the Vahana full-scale demonstrator aircraft is remotely controlled in a configuration that the Silicon Valley division of Airbus is flight testing in Pendleton, Oregon.
The new demonstrator will join the first in flight testing at the airport in Pendleton, and also features a complete interior. Aside from enabling experimentation with passenger experience features in the interior, the Vahana Alpha Two also serves as a set of spares for anything that must be replaced on the anginal flight test aircraft, thereby improving the efficiency of the company’s test program. Airbus was generous enough to capture an array of impressive photos at dawn one morning to show us what they have conceived.
“You can just imagine getting to the vertiport for your quick trip to work” Airbus
Airbus also shared a close-up photo of the nose of the Alpha Two, which is loaded with autonomous safety systems able to sense and avoid obstacles in the air. For more photos, check out the A^3 by Airbus media page.
Why it’s important: A finished interior marks another milestone for the Airbus A^3 team, and permits further testing of how passengers will ergonomically integrate with the vehicle. Further, access to the second demonstrator aircraft is expected to accelerate development, such as in the flight control system that is responsible for smoothly transition from vertical to horizontal flight, as well as mitigating any eternal impulses.
Watch Airbus Vahana’s 50th Test Flight
In Vahana’s latest test flight, the vehicle exhibits the capabilities of its tilting wing, transitioning from vertical take-off to horizontal flight. The above video comes from Zach Lovering, project executive for Vahana at A³. The Vahana takes off vertically, tilts its wings for transition into horizontal flight, stops, turns around, and lands. The aircraft flies for 7 minutes at speeds up to 57mph,...

Watch Airbus Vahana’s 50th Test Flight

In Vahana’s latest test flight, the vehicle exhibits the capabilities of its tilting wing, transitioning from vertical take-off to horizontal flight.
The above video comes from Zach Lovering, project executive for Vahana at A³. The Vahana takes off vertically, tilts its wings for transition into horizontal flight, stops, turns around, and lands. The aircraft flies for 7 minutes at speeds up to 57mph, and altitudes of up to 210 feet.
In a recent Vahana blog post, Lovering mentions that these flights are for testing flight controls, navigation, failure detection, and noise mitigation. While the full-scale model has flown 50 test flights, the sub-scale version has flown 1,277 flights. The full-scale version made its first test flight on January 31st, 2018.

Vahana Alpha Two on the Pendleton, Oregon UAS runway, February 2019.
In the last few months, many top aircraft manufacturers have released vehicle footage to the public. Most recently Boeing showed its ‘Personal Air Vehicle’ (developed in collaboration Boeing’s subsidiary Aurora Flight Sciences) taking off, hovering, and landing autonomously. Bell Helicopter brought the ‘Nexus Air Taxi’ to CES 2019 last month, where fans got the chance to sit in the vehicle itself.
Airbus has made progress in of many aspects of Urban Air Mobility, having recently released the blueprint for Airbus Altiscope, an airspace management system, and a small-scale prototype of its Pop.Up Next vehicle in collaboration with Audi. While it’s yet unclear whether Airbus will pursue one of these avenues or all of them, the company has certainly staked its claim on air taxis with the Vahana’s latest test video.

The Airbus Altiscope vision for the future of urban air mobility
Why it’s important: With the release of the latest Vahana flight video featuring the aircraft in flight for 7 mins at speeds up to 57mph, Airbus marks its place among the recent flood of prototype videos released by major companies like Boeing and Bell Helicopter. The video features the Vahana transitioning from vertical to horizontal flight, which Boeing has named as, ‘typically the most significant engineering challenge for any high-speed VTOL aircraft’.
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Source // Airbus Vahana Blog, Boeing Technology Blog
Airbus Vahana
Quick SummaryVahana is a project worked on by the A^3 technological development arm of Airbus which is headquartered in Silicon Valley, CA. Built as a (now-completed) eVTOL technology demonstrator and proof-of-concept for future aircraft like the CityAirbus, Vahana uses variable-angle rotors that provide thrust vertically for takeoff and landing and swivel forward to facilitate accelerated conventional flight.CompanyAirbus CEOA^3 CEO Product...

Airbus Vahana

Quick Summary
Vahana is a project worked on by the A^3 technological development arm of Airbus which is headquartered in Silicon Valley, CA. Built as a (now-completed) eVTOL technology demonstrator and proof-of-concept for future aircraft like the CityAirbus, Vahana uses variable-angle rotors that provide thrust vertically for takeoff and landing and swivel forward to facilitate accelerated conventional flight.
A^3 is a venture created by Airbus, a Colonge, France, company.
Guillaume Faury
Mark Cousin
Stage of Development
Preliminary Design
Project Complete
Technical Details:
Aircraft Type: Winged VTOL
Powerplant: All-Electric
Range: 31 miles
Top Speed: 136mph
Propeller Configuration: 8 propellers; 4 on each of the two tilting wings.
Passenger/Payload Capacity: Single Passenger
Autonomy Level: Autonomous/remote pilot
Dimensions: 20 ft wingspan, 9 ft height
Other Information:
Weight: 1600lbs
Motors: 8 electric motors at 45kW each
From Airbus:
Project Vahana intends to open up urban airways by developing the first certified electric, self-piloted vertical take-off and landing (VTOL) passenger aircraft. We envision Vahana being as a cost-comparable replacement for short-range urban transportation like cars or trains. A core premise of this project is that full automation and sense-and-avoid technology will allow us to achieve higher safety levels by minimizing human error while allowing more vehicles to share the sky. As a platform, Vahana can be as diverse as its wheeled grounded counterpart when being used for cargo delivery, emergency services, search and rescue, or even as a tool to deploy modular infrastructure in disaster sites. There is no other project that we know of that incorporates this much automation in vertical flight. With Airbus’ long history in aircraft certification and safety, we are uniquely positioned to realize large-scale automated flight within urban environments.
Our Take on Vahana
Since its creation, Vahana has achieved multiple important milestones integral to the future of aerial mobility. These have included building a fully-electric aircraft that can autonomously transition from vertical to fixed wing flight, enabling that aircraft to fly for a significant range, and completing over 130 test flights to prove the safety of eVTOL aircraft overall. The work A^3 did with Vahana allowed Airbus to lay the groundwork for larger aircraft such as the Airbus CityAirbus. Although the project is now completed, the Vahana team was able to make many significant discoveries and developments for the future of aerial mobility at airbus.
References
The Latest News from TransportUP
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September 17, 2023First Flight: Airbus Vahana
Airbus A^3 Ventures Vahana made its first flight on February 1st at Pendleton UAS. The flight lasted for 53 seconds, and the aircraft reached a height of 16 meters before descending back to the ground safely. Vahana’s aim is to capture the single passenger eVTOL market in partnership with their new California-based motor supplier, MAGicALL. Video of First Flight is...

First Flight: Airbus Vahana

Airbus A^3 Ventures Vahana made its first flight on February 1st at Pendleton UAS. The flight lasted for 53 seconds, and the aircraft reached a height of 16 meters before descending back to the ground safely. Vahana’s aim is to capture the single passenger eVTOL market in partnership with their new California-based motor supplier, MAGicALL. Video of First Flight is here.
Source
AI’s Role in Predictive Flight Path Monitoring for Aerial Mobility
Innovation is soaring to new heights in aerial mobility, and recent advances in artificial intelligence (AI) are challenging the ways traditional methods of flight path monitoring. While there is the potential to significantly enhance safety and efficiency in our increasingly crowded skies, there are also challenges related to how cutting-edge AI technologies can be safely and responsibly applied to new...

AI’s Role in Predictive Flight Path Monitoring for Aerial Mobility

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

The Challenge of Aerial Mobility
Aerial mobility continues to make inroads on the path to widespread certification and utilization of aircraft to decongest urban areas and more efficiently transport passengers the last 50nm of their trips. With the rapid growth of drones, air taxis, and autonomous aircraft, cities around the world are embracing the potential for faster, cleaner, and more efficient transportation. However, this comes with its own set of challenges, particularly in managing and coordinating the movement of numerous airborne vehicles in urban environments.
AI-Powered Predictive Flight Path Monitoring
AI-driven predictive flight path monitoring has a potential to be a game-changer in this space, but with serious complications if implementation isn’t nearly flawless. AI algorithms, empowered by deep learning and real-time data analysis, enable aerial mobility systems to anticipate and adapt to changing conditions. A potential rosy future could include:
- Collision Avoidance: AI algorithms can predict potential conflicts between aerial vehicles and suggest alternative routes to avoid collisions. This proactive approach significantly reduces the risk of accidents, making urban air travel safer for everyone.
- Weather Forecasting: AI can process vast amounts of weather data in real-time, allowing aircraft to adjust their routes to avoid turbulence, storms, or adverse conditions. This not only enhances safety but also ensures smoother and more comfortable rides for passengers.
- Traffic Management: AI-powered traffic management systems can dynamically allocate airspace and landing zones, optimizing routes to minimize congestion and delays. This promotes efficient use of airspace, reducing travel times and environmental impact.
- Predictive Maintenance: AI can predict maintenance needs for aerial vehicles by analyzing sensor data. This preemptive approach ensures that aircraft are in optimal condition, reducing the risk of in-flight mechanical failures.
While the above list of advances sounds incredibly convenient, it also reflects what many sight as an idyllic view of AI’s implementation in aerial mobility. There are numerous challenges to face, including sporadic, erratic flight paths from other aircraft, regulatory integration and certification, as well as ethical and privacy concerns, especially for those not wanting the data from their flights to be shared for privacy reasons. Finally, the methods by which these algorithms are trained must be ironclad, and evasive actions cannot also be prescribed in situations where immediate intervention is necessary.
As many OEMs adopt hybridized approaches to their powertrains, leveraging the best of both internal combustion and battery technology, a similar approach is likely warranted for the most successful of the aerial mobility aircraft: provisioned for future growth with capabilities that can eventually be fully autonomous, but with the option for remote or in-aircraft piloting to occur to assuage passenger concerns and to meet current regulatory requirements.
Why it’s important: As AI continues to evolve, the future of aerial mobility may evolve to leverage this technology as well. AI-driven predictive flight path monitoring may enhance safety but also paves the way for increased automation and autonomy in air travel, if implemented gradually and successful. The runway to AI integration into aviation is a long one, but slow incremental steps will yield benefit.
Skyports and Equinor Partner to Improve Offshore Logistics with Electric Drone Deliveries
In a new collaboration, Skyports Drone Services, a drone logistics, survey, and monitoring operations company, has teamed up with Norwegian energy company Equinor to lead a new project in the aerial mobility sector. This partnership aims to improve cargo logistics for offshore oil installations in the North Sea, setting a new standard for efficiency, safety, and sustainability. The project, which...

Skyports and Equinor Partner to Improve Offshore Logistics with Electric Drone Deliveries

In a new collaboration, Skyports Drone Services, a drone logistics, survey, and monitoring operations company, has teamed up with Norwegian energy company Equinor to lead a new project in the aerial mobility sector. This partnership aims to improve cargo logistics for offshore oil installations in the North Sea, setting a new standard for efficiency, safety, and sustainability.
The project, which commenced in early September, is the first-ever daily, on-demand drone delivery service initiated from shore to offshore oil rigs and uses highly automated cargo drones developed by Swoop Aero. The drones can cover distances of up to 114 kilometers and are currently shuttling cargo between Equinor’s Mongstad processing center on the west coast of Norway and three installations in the Gullfaks oil field.

Skyports Drone Services has conducted numerous flights with hundreds more planned throughout the two-month trial. These flights are transporting a diverse range of cargo; from spare parts and equipment to care packages, showcasing the versatility of drone logistics.
One of the most notable advantages of uncrewed drone services is their cost-efficiency, speed of deployment, and enhanced safety compared to traditional transportation methods. These drones can operate in challenging visibility conditions, including fog, pending regulatory approvals – a development that holds immense promise for the aerial mobility industry.
Moreover, the environmental benefits of electric drones is an important consideration for this operation as well. With zero operating emissions, they are a profound leap toward sustainability in the offshore sector.
The trial also highlights the potential for scaling drone services with minimal human intervention. Remote piloting by a small Skyports Drone Services team from Equinor’s ROC in Bergen ensures seamless operations. Equinor staff on the installations have received training to handle cargo, batteries, and drone interactions, underlining the adaptability of the system.
Initial results of the trial have been positive, paving the way for potential expansion to additional installations, thus shaping the future of aerial mobility in the offshore energy sector.
Alex Brown, Director of Skyports Drone Services, emphasized the project’s significance: “This project with Equinor proves that drone delivery can offer a safer, cost-effective, more sustainable alternative to conventional transport methods in offshore environments. We are currently exploring how we can expand this groundbreaking work into adjacent sectors such as offshore wind and ship resupply.”
The project’s success has been made possible through collaboration with Avinor and the Civil Aviation Authority of Norway, ensuring the necessary flight permissions are secured.
Why it’s important: The partnership between Skyports Drone Services and Equinor signifies a turning point in the aerial mobility industry. The collaboration showcases how electric drones can revolutionize cargo logistics, bringing new levels of efficiency, safety, and sustainability to offshore operations. As the trial continues to flourish, it opens doors for further innovation and exploration of aerial mobility solutions in adjacent sectors, ultimately helping to shape the future of logistics in challenging environments.
SkyDrive and Lessor Solyu Sign MOU for 50 eVTOL Aircraft
Japanese-based eVTOL maker, SkyDrive, has announced an MOU with Solyu, an aircraft leasing company in Korea, for 50 eVTOL aircraft. Solyu is a lessor based in Korea run by team with decades of experience in the aircraft leasing and finance industry with a focus on providing customers with zero emissions vehicles such as eVTOL, eCTOL, and eSTOL. SkyDrive is currently...

SkyDrive and Lessor Solyu Sign MOU for 50 eVTOL Aircraft

Japanese-based eVTOL maker, SkyDrive, has announced an MOU with Solyu, an aircraft leasing company in Korea, for 50 eVTOL aircraft. Solyu is a lessor based in Korea run by team with decades of experience in the aircraft leasing and finance industry with a focus on providing customers with zero emissions vehicles such as eVTOL, eCTOL, and eSTOL.

SkyDrive is currently developing a three-seat electric, vertical takeoff and landing aircraft called “SKYDRIVE.” Its eVTOL is in the process of acquiring its Japan Civil Aviation Bureau (JCAB) certification.
In Korea, the metropolitan area faces a problem of severe traffic congestion, and the Korean government formed the Korea Urban Air Mobility (K-UAM) Roadmap, expecting that the time and social costs can be reduced by 70%. The government also promotes the plan for public-private joint demonstration project, the K-UAM Grand Challenge. Solyu believes it is important to promote the use of electric, zero-emission vehicles in Korea to accelerate the K-UAM goal and agreed on the pre-order of SkyDrive eVTOL.
SkyDrive and Solyu continue to evaluate commercial eVTOL considerations such as vertiports, routes, infrastructure requirements, and ecosystems with the Korean government and other interested stakeholders to launch new mobility solutions in Korea.
Solyu Company President, Andrew Claerbout, commented on the memorandum of understanding, “The eVTOL market will bring opportunities for reducing global emissions and increasing traveler convenience. We’re honored to work with SkyDrive and the award-winning SD-05 to develop this global market.”
Why it’s important: Korea is one of the most dense urban markets in the world and is a prime market for the eVTOL industry. With a fleet of 50 SkyDrive eVTOL aircraft, Solyu has an opportunity to leverage electrified aviation and offer low-cost, emission free travel in the area.
BETA Technologies to install first electric aircraft charger at Eglin Air Force Base
The United States Department of Defense (DoD) has entered into an expansive partnership with BETA Technologies to install the first ever electric aircraft charging station at Eglin Air Force Base in Florida. Initiated in 2020, this partnership has been instrumental in expediting the adoption of electric aviation within both the United States military and the broader commercial aviation sector. An...

BETA Technologies to install first electric aircraft charger at Eglin Air Force Base

The United States Department of Defense (DoD) has entered into an expansive partnership with BETA Technologies to install the first ever electric aircraft charging station at Eglin Air Force Base in Florida.

Initiated in 2020, this partnership has been instrumental in expediting the adoption of electric aviation within both the United States military and the broader commercial aviation sector. An illustrious milestone in this journey saw BETA Technologies being recognized as the foremost electric aircraft developer to secure an airworthiness certificate for manned flight from the military. Furthermore, they have conducted the sole piloted qualitative evaluation flights, featuring esteemed test pilots from the United States Air Force and Army.
This partnership, dedicated to evaluating the feasible mission capabilities and broad applicability of BETA’s electric aircraft and chargers, is set to persist with the forthcoming introduction of BETA’s ALIA aircraft to Eglin Air Force Base this autumn. Notably, BETA’s versatile and intermodal electric charger has demonstrated the remarkable capacity to recharge an electric aircraft in under an hour.
BETA originally was in pursuit of developing its eVTOL aircraft version, but recently decided to also certify a CTOL version, Alia, which will be delivered to Elgin Air Force Base. Meanwhile other eVTOL companies including Joby and Archer have also committed to delivering their respective air taxis to other Air Force bases near the end of 2023 or early 2024.
Related:
- UPS and BETA Technologies to test UAE electric flight deliveries
- Beta Technologies to Enhance Focus on Electric Aircraft Certification
Bearing conformity to the established standards jointly agreed upon by a substantial segment of the Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) industry, as delineated in the recent ‘Interoperability of Electric Charging Infrastructure’ whitepaper by the General Aviation Manufacturers Association (GAMA), BETA’s chargers exhibit the versatility to support an array of electric aircraft while also accommodating ground electric vehicles.

“The DoD, and specifically AFWERX’s Agility Prime team, have been invaluable partners to us for the past several years, offering deep insights that have helped us continue to progress our technology,” said Beta founder and CEO Kyle Clark. “The installation of this charger is an enabling step as the DOD looks to transition to a more sustainable fleet. We look forward to using it to charge our aircraft later this year during planned on-base experimentation with the Air Force at Duke Airfield.”
“Charging station installation is a critical step to unleash test and experimentation with the DoD to leverage emerging electric aviation technology as a capability for the warfighter,” said Maj Anthony Zartman, Agility Prime’s program manager and team lead. “Two charging test sites will be set up by the end of the calendar year, marking the first multimodal charging capabilities for the Air Force. Further, the charging stations will provide an opportunity to explore the utility of electric vehicle fleet modernization as well as base and flight line support equipment to improve energy use and reduce emissions.”
Why it’s important: This pioneering Level 3 DC fast-charging facility is poised to provide essential support for on-site electric vehicle experimentation, signifying the latest advancement in the enduring collaboration between BETA Technologies and the DoD through its esteemed AFWERX Agility Prime Program.
Bristow Group and Volocopter Join Forces to Advance Aerial Mobility with Planned UAM Services
Bristow Group Inc, a global leader in vertical flight solutions, and Volocopter have embarked on a collaboration that sets the stage for passenger and cargo services utilizing electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft in the U.S. and U.K. The partnership was announced last week and includes Bristow’s firm order for two VoloCity aircraft, with an option for an additional...

Bristow Group and Volocopter Join Forces to Advance Aerial Mobility with Planned UAM Services

Bristow Group Inc, a global leader in vertical flight solutions, and Volocopter have embarked on a collaboration that sets the stage for passenger and cargo services utilizing electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft in the U.S. and U.K.

The partnership was announced last week and includes Bristow’s firm order for two VoloCity aircraft, with an option for an additional 78, once certified. Together, Volocopter and Bristow are poised to build a robust UAM ecosystem, encompassing regulatory discussions, infrastructure development, and local partnerships.
The scope of their joint development agreement is broad: covering commercial, operational, and eVTOL aircraft maintenance services. This includes adapting Volocopter’s proprietary digital platform, VoloIQ, to ensure the efficiency of Bristow’s future operations.
The eVTOL sector is rapidly evolving, driven by its emission-free flights and ultra-low noise signatures. With the VoloCity joining Bristow’s fleet, there are undoubtedly an array of new urban routes and service possibilities under study.
Volocopter aims to secure final certification from the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) in 2024, with FAA certification in the U.S. following shortly thereafter, potentially opening doors for commercial UAM services.
Dave Stepanek, Bristow’s Executive Vice President and Chief Transformation Officer, expressed his excitement, saying, “Launching this collaborative effort with Volocopter marks a major milestone in Bristow’s effort to usher in a new era of vertical transportation solutions.” He further highlighted Volocopter’s pragmatic approach to certification and innovative aircraft design.
Christian Bauer, CFO & CCO of Volocopter, emphasized the significance of this partnership, given Bristow’s vast experience in bringing new aircraft into service. Bauer stated, “Our partnership with Bristow and the firm VoloCity orders received propels us forward as we unlock new markets.”
Why it’s important: With more than 500 pre-orders, including nearly 30 firm orders from partners, Volocopter is forging a path toward a more accessible and sustainable aviation future. Together with Bristow, Volocopter is moving forward to an ultimate goal of wide access to the benefits of aviation, where flying becomes not just a dream but a reality for people across the globe. In this bold venture, innovation and experience unite, promising a future where UAM services revolutionize the way we travel, connect, and experience the world.
Iris Automation and uAvionix Partner to Elevate Aerial Mobility Safety
In a significant stride towards enhancing the safety and efficiency of unmanned aerial systems (UAS) operations, Iris Automation and uAvionix have unveiled a strategic partnership aimed at revolutionizing Command and Control (C2) and Detect and Avoid (DAA) services for the aerial mobility industry. The collaboration will feature Iris Automation’s ground-based collision avoidance data, the Casia G, integrated into uAvionix’s SkyLine...

Iris Automation and uAvionix Partner to Elevate Aerial Mobility Safety

In a significant stride towards enhancing the safety and efficiency of unmanned aerial systems (UAS) operations, Iris Automation and uAvionix have unveiled a strategic partnership aimed at revolutionizing Command and Control (C2) and Detect and Avoid (DAA) services for the aerial mobility industry. The collaboration will feature Iris Automation’s ground-based collision avoidance data, the Casia G, integrated into uAvionix’s SkyLine services, delivering unparalleled airspace awareness and connectivity for small UAS.

One of the critical challenges in the skies today lies in distinguishing between cooperative aircraft, which share their positional data through technologies like ADS-B, and non-cooperative aircraft that do not. uAvionix has emerged as a leader in cooperative aircraft detection, leveraging ADS-B IN solutions for UAS. Now, with the added capabilities of Iris Automation’s Casia G, operators will have a holistic solution for Beyond Visual Line of Sight (BVLOS) operations.
The Casia G system, powered by advanced computer vision and artificial intelligence, swiftly detects and classifies intruder aircraft, offering vital response time to ensure safety. This ground-based variant provides expansive coverage, ensuring scalable coverage through strategically deployed nodes. By fusing the data produced by Casia G with ADS-B data from uAvionix, operators will enjoy comprehensive situational awareness, going beyond what single-sensor-based systems can provide.
Christian Ramsey, Managing Director of uAvionix uncrewed Systems, characterized the partnership, stating “Integration of the Iris’ Casia G data is another step toward enabling scalable and achievable Beyond Visual Line of Sight (BVLOS) flights for UAS operators.” With this combined solution, operators can confidently navigate the complexities of low-altitude airspace, mitigating the risk of incidents and near-mid-air collisions.
Jon Damush, CEO of Iris Automation, expressed excitement about the collaboration, noting that “operators will now have a turn-key solution for their BVLOS operations.” The partnership is actively progressing towards integrating Casia G data into the SkyLine service through field tests and operational scenarios. The resulting advanced airspace awareness and command and control capabilities are expected to become available to UAS operators later this year.
Why it’s important: As the aerial mobility industry continues to evolve, safety and efficiency remain paramount. The alliance between Iris Automation and uAvionix is poised to contribute significantly to the sector’s growth by providing operators with the tools they need to navigate the skies with confidence and reliability. It’s a pivotal step towards a future where aerial mobility is not just a dream but a safe and accessible reality.
H2FLY Completes First Piloted Flight of Liquid Hydrogen-Electric Aircraft
Joby subsidiary, H2FLY has announced successful completion of the world first piloted flight of a liquid hydrogen-powered electric aircraft. H2FLY, acquired by Joby in 2021, continues to lead the industry on the development and testing of hydrogen aviation propulsion systems. The company completed a series of piloted flights with its HY4 demonstrator aircraft, including one that lasted more than three...

H2FLY Completes First Piloted Flight of Liquid Hydrogen-Electric Aircraft

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

The flights demonstrate the viability of using cryogenically-stored liquid hydrogen instead of gaseous hydrogen, which enables significantly lower tank weights and volume, leading to longer range. The successful installation and demonstration of flight with liquid hydrogen is believed to increase the range of H2FLY’s HY4 demonstrator aircraft from 466 mi (750 km) to 932 mi (1500 km), marking a critical step towards the long-term decarbonization of mid- to long-range aviation.
“H2FLY are pioneers in their field, and we’re proud of them achieving this watershed moment in the use of liquid hydrogen to power aircraft,” said JoeBen Bevirt, Founder and CEO of Joby Aviation. “In the years to come, battery-electric and hydrogen-electric propulsion systems will enable us to build aircraft that are quieter and make mid- to long-range air travel possible with zero emissions. It’s critical we take action now and invest aggressively in these technologies for the health of our planet and future generations to come.”
The successful flights are the culmination of Project HEAVEN, a European-government-supported consortium assembled to demonstrate the feasibility of using liquid hydrogen in aircraft. The consortium is led by H2FLY and includes the partners Air Liquide, Pipistrel Vertical Solutions, the German Aerospace Center (DLR), EKPO Fuel Cell Technologies, and Fundación Ayesa.
Why it matters: Following this test flight milestone, H2FLY will increasingly focus on its path to commercialization. In June, H2FLY announced the development of its new fuel cell systems, which will be capable of providing their full power range at altitudes high enough to enable commercial hydrogen-electric aircraft, demonstrating real-world commercial aircraft applications. Hydrogen-electric platforms offer a longer range offering than all-electric vehicles and will do well to capture the mid/long range aircraft space.
Source: Joby Press Release
AIRTAXI World Congress is coming to San Francisco
AIRTAXI World Congress, an annual event hosted by Global Travel Investments, a UK-based marketing and strategy consultancy, will take place in San Francisco, CA this year from October 2-5. Last year in Istanbul, the event gathered 133 companies from 35 unique countries. This year, the event will place a dedicated focus on operationalization of air taxis & new air services, and...

AIRTAXI World Congress is coming to San Francisco

AIRTAXI World Congress, an annual event hosted by Global Travel Investments, a UK-based marketing and strategy consultancy, will take place in San Francisco, CA this year from October 2-5.
Last year in Istanbul, the event gathered 133 companies from 35 unique countries. This year, the event will place a dedicated focus on operationalization of air taxis & new air services, and the highlight will be a live demo of multiple vertical take-off and landing aircraft at the 50 million pax airport on October 5.

“We are excited to be working together with San Francisco International Airport, FAA, Archer, Joby Aviation and Signature Flight Support on integration of eVTOLs into SFO’s operational system to make vertical demo flights a reality this October, paving the way for the future of air taxis and urban eVTOL!’’ said Rose Sokolova, Chief Operation Officer at Global Travel Investments.

The event will also include a static aircraft display, panel discussions with industry leaders, skills workshops, and dedicated networking opportunities. Event organizers say that more than 500 leaders and stakeholders from across the urban air mobility (UAM) industry are expected to attend, including investors, aircraft manufacturers, suppliers, and operators, as well as representatives from airports and governments.
At least 275 companies will be represented at the event, including Archer, Beta Technologies, Ehang, Electra.aero, Eve, Joby, Lilium, Opener, Overair, Skydrive, Supernal, Volocopter, and Wisk.
AIRTAXI World Congress 2023, hosted by the San Francisco International Airport, is “the only event entirely dedicated to air taxis and urban eVTOLs.” It brings together not only suppliers and OEMs but also investors, operators, airlines, airports, vertiports, and urban infrastructure stakeholders for personalized, pre-arranged meetings. Registration for the event is open and the program can be found on the event website.
Why it’s important: “As 2025 rapidly approaches — the target date for most OEMs to certificate their aircraft — the focus is now shifting to the entry of air taxis into commercial airline service. The AIRTAXI World Congress will be the front and center of this change,” said Mike Howarth, chairman at Global Travel Investments. This event will be a spectacle for industry leaders and for future air taxi riders alike; it will demonstrate the progress many eVTOL developers are making on their aircraft and launching commercial operations with the 2025 target in mind.
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