Results for: vickers aircraft

Jump Aero, a California-based aircraft manufacturer, has partnered with the Oregon Department of Aviation to explore the integration of their JA1 Pulse Aircraft into the fabric of Oregon’s emergency response ecosystem. The recently inked Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) marks a collaborative effort to redefine emergency medical services in rural Oregon, harnessing the speed and sustainability of the JA1 Pulse Aircraft.

The MOU anticipates the potential deployment of up to 126 JA1 Pulse aircraft to ensure swift access to trained professionals at emergency scenes, particularly in areas where the current response times exceed the desired standard of eight minutes due to vast distances and challenging terrains. The JA1 Pulse Aircraft is poised to significantly impact the lives of Oregon’s residents and visitors alike.

This collaboration represents significant progress in Jump Aero’s mission to provide rapid medical first response coverage to diverse regions. The Oregon Department of Aviation’s commitment to exploring innovative solutions echoes their dedication to enhancing emergency services for all residents. Director Kenji Sugahara expressed anticipation about the partnership, stating, “We look forward to cultivating a long-term relationship with Jump Aero as we delve into providing rapid first response to our rural communities with the JA1 Pulse.”

Jump Aero’s President and CEO, Carl Dietrich, conveyed gratitude for the Oregon Department of Aviation’s progressive stance, emphasizing the JA1 Pulse’s potential to not only reduce emergency response times but also to elevate survival rates in rural communities. Dietrich enthused, “We are confident that the JA1 Pulse will emerge as a critical life-saving tool in Oregon, and we eagerly anticipate collaborating with first responders in Oregon and other partner regions.”

Headquartered in Petaluma, California, Jump Aero specializes in electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft technology and their vision extends beyond innovation to revolutionizing emergency response times in rural areas. For detailed insights into Jump Aero and the JA1 Pulse aircraft, visit www.jumpaero.com.

Why it’s important: The Oregon Department of Aviation (ODAV) takes center stage as a state agency dedicated to propelling the development of aviation within Oregon’s transportation system while ensuring the safety of its airways. This collaboration with Jump Aero exemplifies the department’s unwavering commitment to advancing emergency services in the state, marking a noteworthy stride toward a safer and more resilient state of Oregon.

Elroy Air, based in Byron, California, marked a groundbreaking achievement on November 12 with the successful flight of the Chaparral C1, the world’s first turbogenerator-hybrid electric vertical take-off and landing (VTOL) aircraft. The autonomous C1, designed for middle-mile express shipping, humanitarian logistics, and military resupply, combines distributed electric propulsion and a turbogenerator-battery architecture.

Taking off from Byron Airport, the Chaparral C1 utilized its turbogenerator system and high-power batteries to achieve a vertical takeoff, flying for 57 seconds before landing safely. Elroy Air CEO Dave Merrill expressed excitement, noting the aircraft’s significance in advancing their mission to enable same-day shipping globally and providing low-risk resupply for defense operations.

Hybrid-electric aircraft, a critical advancement in aviation, offer robust operations through distributed electric propulsion (DEP), ensuring safety in case of motor failure – a key aspect for autonomy. The turbogenerator-hybrid architecture, combining a gas turbine-driven generator with batteries, addresses the energy density limitations of battery-electric aircraft, enabling long-range missions without the need for extensive charging infrastructure.

The achievement received praise from industry experts, including Ashish Bagai, an advanced rotorcraft expert, highlighting the complexity of managing power output in true VTOL and vertical flight capable aircraft.

The Chaparral C1 has garnered significant interest from commercial, humanitarian, and defense partners, with a backlog exceeding $3 billion in future revenues. Active contracts with the US Air Force further validate its capabilities for addressing urgent operational needs in logistics.

Elroy Air plans to expand the Chaparral’s demonstrated flight capabilities through collaboration with the US Air Force, including modes such as expanded hover, system identification, transition, and cruise flight. The company, supported by investors and industry giants, continues its mission to reshape logistics possibilities and provide same-day shipping worldwide.

Why it’s important: Elroy Air overcame significant challenges in electrical power management and structural vibration to bring the Chaparral C1 into flight testing. The company, with intellectual property and technical experience, positions itself as a leader in hVTOL aircraft development. The project’s importance is underscored by its backing from key figures, including Dr. Mark Esper, 27th US Secretary of Defense and Elroy Air Board Member.

Related: Elroy Air Secures More Than $2B in Total Aircraft Demand

Electra completed the inaugural flight of its EL-2 Goldfinch aircraft on November 19th from the Manassas Regional Airport in Virginia. This hybrid-electric, ultra-short takeoff and landing (eSTOL) aircraft reflects technological advancements that are incorporated into a unique configuration which could help to change the way short missions and regional travel are conducted in the future.

The Goldfinch is a two-seat eSTOL technology demonstrator and utilizes blown lift technology powered by eight electric motors. This innovation enables ultra-short takeoffs and landings—akin to the agility of a helicopter—while delivering the efficiency and speed of a fixed-wing aircraft. The successful test flights to date have showcased the aircraft’s all-electric and hybrid-electric capabilities; the 23-minute flight covered 30 miles of air distance.

The significance of these achievements lies in the Goldfinch and similar eVTOL or eSTOL aircrafts’ potential for urban and regional mobility. They’re designed to operate from compact spaces that are impractical for traditional aircraft and helicopters, unlocking access to thousands of communities currently underserved by conventional air travel. The noise and emission reductions inherent in Electra’s technology also align with growing environmental consciousness and regulatory demands.

Looking forward, Electra’s vision extends to a nine-passenger commercial variant of the Goldfinch, aiming to reshape the airport environment by only requiring 150 feet of “runway” for takeoff, 200 mph cruise speeds, and 500-mile range. The market response for aerial mobility projects has been positive, with over 30 customers pre-ordering more than 1,700 aircraft.

Supported by strategic funding from the U.S. Air Force’s AFWERX Agility Prime Program, Electra anticipates that the Goldfinch will receive FAA Part 23 certification by 2028. This timeline sets the stage for the Goldfinch to not only serve traditional air travel routes but also to innovate middle-mile cargo logistics, offering a faster, quieter, and more efficient alternative to ground transportation for distances between 50 and 500 miles.

Why it’s important: Electra’s achievement with the EL-2 Goldfinch is more than a technical milestone; it’s a preview toward how aerial mobility transportation could advance connectivity and sustainability, transforming short to medium-haul travel into a quiet, clean, and highly efficient experience. As cities grow denser and the demand for eco-friendly transportation solutions accelerates, Electra’s eSTOL aircraft provide a sustainable approach to enhanced urban and regional connectivity.

Manufacturer Moya Aero and Fototerra signed a Letter of Intent (LOI) to acquire 10 Moya eVTOL for application in digital aerial photogrammetry, hyperspectral digital aero photogrammetry, LiDAR Surveys and Environmental Observation.

Moya Aero was only recently founded in 2020 by Zaramela and Renata Paolillo as a spin-off of Brazil’s leading aeronautical engineering, research, and aircraft development entity, ACS Aviation. However, the company has made quick strides in its technological development via participation in the Techstars Los Angeles Accelerator powered by JP Morgan. Fototerra, also Brazil-based, offers various services and products linked to generating images that allow cartographic surveys, among others.

To perform the intended use, the Moya eVTOL will receive specific equipment for capturing images, demonstrating its versatility in application. “We designed out Moya eVTOL for different missions. We can adapt the vehicle to attend various segments,” said Alexandre Zaramela, CEO of Moya Aero. 

The two companies have in common the search for new technologies. Fototerra is also a Brazilian company that offers various services and products linked to generating images that allow cartographic surveys, among others.

“Since its foundation, Fototerra is always ahead of its time, implementing new technologies. Moya eVTOL is an essential step towards improving our service provision.” The Moya eVTOL is expected to begin operations in 2026.

Earlier in 2023, Moya Aero made multiple announcements of additional purchase orders for its eVTOL. Namely, N2 Infrastructure Technologies signed a LOI to order 4 aircraft and Helisul Aviation signed a LOI for up to 50 aircraft.

Why it’s important: Like many other companies in the eVTOL space, Moya is exploring the potential of these aircraft for various applications, especially in addressing future transportation needs with a focus on environmental sustainability. The success of Moya Aero would have a ripple effect, impacting the technological, economic, environmental, and regulatory aspects of the aerial mobility industry. It could pave the way for a future where aerial transportation is more accessible, efficient, and environmentally friendly.

Archer Aviation recently finalized agreements with Synovus Bank and Evans General Contractors, LLC, paving the way for the financing and development of its state-of-the-art manufacturing facility located in Covington, Georgia. This facility is set to become the largest eVTOL aircraft manufacturing site globally by volume.

Construction is already underway for the initial phase of the Covington facility, encompassing approximately 350,000 square feet. This phase will support the production of up to 650 eVTOL aircraft annually. Remarkably, Archer aims to achieve this high production volume while maintaining a significantly lower manufacturing capital cost compared to its industry competitors.

The announcement secures a substantial portion of the construction costs for this first phase, with $65 million in financing. When combined with incentives offered by the state of Georgia and Archer’s partnership with Stellantis, the company is charting a path toward highly capital-efficient scaled manufacturing. This efficiency is driven, in part, by Archer’s strategic collaborations with top-tier aerospace suppliers like Honeywell and Safran, streamlining manufacturing and assembly processes for its Midnight eVTOL aircraft.

Related: Archer Announces Second Quarter Results, Raises an Additional $215M

Phase one of the high-volume manufacturing facility is scheduled for completion in 2024, aligning with the anticipated entry into service of the Midnight aircraft in 2025. Archer’s forward-looking plans also include a phase two expansion that could bring the facility’s total size to approximately 900,000 square feet, facilitating long-term production goals of over 2,000 aircraft annually.

Archer’s Founder and CEO, Adam Goldstein, emphasized the company’s leading position in the eVTOL manufacturing space. He stated, “The ability to manufacture eVTOL aircraft at scale is critical to building a successful business in this industry, and Archer continues to maintain a significant lead on this front.” Goldstein’s comments underscore Archer’s determination to become the world’s foremost eVTOL manufacturer.

In selecting Synovus Bank and Evans General Contractors, LLC as financing and development partners, Archer sought experienced companies with a track record in high-volume manufacturing facilities. Goldstein emphasized Archer’s commitment to the Covington community and its alignment with partners who share the vision of establishing the world’s preeminent eVTOL manufacturing facility on American soil.

Archer’s ultimate objective is to transform urban travel by replacing time-consuming car commutes with rapid, eco-friendly eVTOL flights. The company’s Midnight aircraft, designed for four passengers and quick turnaround times, will be produced in the Covington, GA facility before being introduced to markets in the United States and abroad.

Why it’s important: Archer Aviation’s press release is a pivotal moment in the aerial mobility industry, highlighting the industry’s progress toward mass production and the significant role eVTOLs are poised to play in future urban transportation. It demonstrates the industry’s growing maturity, financial viability, and potential to transform the way people commute and travel within urban areas.

BETA Technologies has just opened its large-scale electric aircraft manufacturing facility near Patrick Leahy Burlington International Airport in Vermont. The site is planned to produce up to 300 aircraft per year by 2027.

The 188,500-square-foot electric aircraft factory is expected to create hundreds of jobs, as BETA ramps up to full production rate in the cargo, medical, defense and passenger industries. One of the company’s earliest customers was UPS, which ordered 10 of the Alia aircraft in 2021 and reserved the right to order another 140.

Related:

• UPS and BETA Technologies to test UAE electric flight deliveries
• Joby to Build eVTOL Manufacturing Facility in Dayton, Ohio

Not only will the site churn out sustainable battery-powered aircraft, but the facility itself is constructed with a green, carbon-neutral design at the forefront. Built with 260 geothermal wells to provide energy for temperature control, along with nearly three acres of roof-mounted solar panels, the campus is claimed to achieve net-zero emissions. At the opening ceremony, Sen. Bernie Sanders touted BETA’s ability to foster a culture that focuses on combating climate change.

To date, Beta said it has flown more than 500 full-scale, piloted flights on Beta-built battery systems and conducted more than 10,000 hours of testing on electric motors produced on its pilot production lines.

Meanwhile, BETA also just announced appointment of Solvay as a primary composite material supplier; in addition to lightweight structures, Solvay will also provide qualification support and advanced materials for the production of BETA’s ALIA CTOL, electric fixed-wing aircraft, and ALIA VTOL, electric vertical takeoff and landing aircraft.

Solvay and BETA are collaborating to select and qualify a tailored suite of materials from Solvay’s broad portfolio to meet the rigorous performance and rate demands of the Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) market. Composites and specialty polymers will be used for primary and secondary structures, as well as non-structural parts, combining multifunctional integration with high strength and low weight, as well as electromagnetic interference and lightning protection.

Why it’s important: The opening of a full-scale manufacturing facility signals the reality of electric aircraft and advanced air mobility, as well as the funding that is behind many of the OEMs such as BETA. Multiple companies, including Joby Aviation, are turning a corner in their aircraft development with announcements of production sites capable of large volumes.

Photos are credited to Burlington Free Press.

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

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

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

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

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

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.

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.

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

VerdeGo Aero and Röder Präzision GmbH announced on June 14th that they have jointly introduced the SR-305-VDG aircraft engine, an engine optimized for hybrid-electric applications. The engine is designed to complement battery energy storage by converting liquid fuels (Jet-A, JP-8, SAF, e-fuels) into electricity, providing additional propulsive power for electric aircraft. This collaboration aims to enhance the performance of electric aircraft and promote more sustainable aviation practices.

The SR-305-VDG engine is the result of two years of testing and engineering development between VerdeGo Aero and Röder Präzision GmbH. Its key features include higher power output, reduced weight, and a smaller system volume, making it an ideal power source for a new generation of high-performance electric aircraft.

VerdeGo Aero’s VH-3 hybrid powerplant, equipped with the SR-305-VDG engine, will be showcased at AirVenture 2023, emphasizing its potential in supporting high-performance electric aircraft for various missions. The engine’s ability to use different types of liquid fuels enables aircraft to achieve higher energy densities, thereby extending their range and mission capabilities.

Eric Bartsch, CEO of VerdeGo Aero, highlighted the significance of this collaboration, stating that the partnership has enabled the delivery of a hybrid powerplant that meets the demands of electric aircraft manufacturers looking for more efficient and powerful solutions.

Jörg Erdmann, COO of Röder Präzision GmbH, expressed his excitement about the engine’s potential for hybrid-electric applications and how it could contribute to reducing carbon emissions in aviation through the use of sustainable aviation fuels.

Why it’s important: The introduction of the SR-305-VDG aircraft engine represents further progress by Verdego toward electrification and democratization of aviation. By offering a more efficient and sustainable power source, this collaboration has the potential to offer additional powerplant choices for aircraft configurators. As reported previously by TransportUP, this represents the company’s approach toward bridging the gap between the most advanced and efficient powerplant offerings of today and in the future.

Plana, a South Korean electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft manufacturer, is making progress in the advanced air mobility (AAM) market with its innovative CP-01 hybrid-electric eVTOL aircraft. With a planned full-scale prototype unveiling in 2025 and commercial operations targeted for 2028, Plana is actively focused on increasing brand awareness, improving communication with customers and partners, and progressing with certification processes.

Designed as a six-seat aircraft, the CP-01 is intended to offer a fast, efficient, and eco-friendly mode of transportation. Equipped with six tilt rotors and an aerodynamic exterior for maximum stability, the CP-01 can fly up to 500 kilometers and cruise at a speed of 300 kilometers per hour. The airframe of the aircraft utilizes composite materials. Plana envisions the HeVTOL being utilized for various purposes, including long-range air taxis and air ambulances. Its hybrid powertrain combines electric propulsion through a combination of turbine generators powered by sustainable aviation fuel (SAF), electric motors, and batteries.

In a recent development, Plana signed an agreement with SkyTaxi, a spinoff company of Japan’s Daiho Taxi Group, outlining the supply of ten CP-01 aircraft to SkyTaxi by 2030, with an additional forty units to be provided by 2040. The collaboration focuses on meeting the growing demand for efficient urban transportation solutions and highlights the potential of Plana’s eVTOL technology.

To facilitate the certification process and expand market presence, Plana is establishing locations in the United States, including Silicone Valley and Irvine, Texas. These facilities will cater to the requirements set by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and allow Plana to engage with key stakeholders in the AAM industry.

During Vice Mayor Tammy Kim’s visit to Plana’s Research and Development (R&D) Center in Icheon, South Korea, discussions were held regarding the opening of Plana’s new office in Irvine, California. Plana’s CEO, Braden J. Kim, emphasized the collaborative opportunities in policy, business development, and infrastructure with Irvine, citing the presence of prominent players like Parker Aerospace, Unical Aviation, OverAir, and Supernal in the aerospace and AAM landscape. The partnership between Plana and the city of Irvine holds promise for the future of urban air mobility.

Through technological advancements and strategic partnerships, Plana is poised to bring about a transformation in the aerial mobility sector. The CP-01 HeVTOL aircraft presents an innovative solution for urban transportation challenges, offering a sustainable, efficient, and advanced mode of travel. As Plana advances towards its goals, it aims to shape the future of the industry and usher in a new era of urban air mobility.

Why it’s important: The emergence of Plana’s CP-01 HeVTOL aircraft holds significant importance for the aerial mobility industry. This innovative aircraft represents a major step forward in the pursuit of efficient, eco-friendly, and advanced urban transportation solutions. With its hybrid-electric powertrain, impressive flying range, and cruise speed, the CP-01 showcases the potential of eVTOL technology to revolutionize the way people commute within cities and access critical services such as medical transportation. By offering a viable alternative to traditional modes of transportation, Plana’s CP-01 paves the way for reduced congestion, lower emissions, and enhanced mobility options. This development not only pushes the boundaries of technological innovation but also opens up new possibilities for urban air mobility, transforming the way we envision transportation in the future.

SkyDrive has added to its announcements from the 2023 Paris Air Show, providing more detail on its partnership with Suzuki, announced last year.

Under the basic agreement, SkyDrive will begin manufacture of its eVTOL aircraft utilizing a Suzuki production facility in the Shizuoka Prefecture in Japan. The two companies aim to start building the eVTOL no later than spring of 2024. Suzuki will also cooperate with SkyDrive in securing human resources and making other preparations for the start of manufacturing. More specific terms and conditions will be agreed upon through ongoing discussions.

“We are excited to cooperate with SkyDrive as we ambitiously work towards creating valuable products that contribute to the realization of a world where people use the sky for their daily transportations,” said Toshihiro Suzuki, Suzuki Motor Corporation President.

Tomohiro Fukuzawa, SkyDrive Inc. CEO added, “At Suzuki, all manufacturing activities are based on a concept, ‘Smaller, Fewer, Lighter, Shorter, and Neater’ and SkyDrive is developing lightweight air mobilities.  Suzuki and SkyDrive have been collaborating since March 2022 and we are very excited that SkyDrive will utilize the production facility of Suzuki to build our eVTOL ‘SKYDRIVE.’ In our pursuit to consistently manufacture safe and high-quality aircraft for the world, we are grateful for the valuable know-how we will learn from Suzuki, a global leader in automobile mass production. Suzuki and SkyDrive will work closely towards the shared goal.”

Why it matters: Originally announced in 2022, the SkyDrive and Suzuki partnership mirrors that of many other eVTOL/automotive partnerships in the industry. By leveraging Suzuki’s decades of expertise in automotive design and manufacturing, SkyDrive can more rapidly scale manufacturing of its eVTOL platform. Expect more updates on progress of the production of SkyDrive as the two work towards their goal of a 2024 start date.

Related:
SkyDrive and Suzuki Announce Collaboration on Aerial Vehicle Development

SkyDrive Selects Thales for eVTOL Flight Control System