EmbraerX Begins Simulator Tests for New eVTOL Design
EmbraerX, the advanced technologies division of the Brazilian aerospace company, has recently conducted the first flight of its new eVTOL aircraft design in a simulator. The eVTOL has also undergone wind tunnel testing and flights of a downscaled model, but a release date for the design has not been announced yet. According to Andre Stein, EmbraerX head of strategy and...

EmbraerX Begins Simulator Tests for New eVTOL Design

EmbraerX, the advanced technologies division of the Brazilian aerospace company, has recently conducted the first flight of its new eVTOL aircraft design in a simulator. The eVTOL has also undergone wind tunnel testing and flights of a downscaled model, but a release date for the design has not been announced yet.
According to Andre Stein, EmbraerX head of strategy and urban air mobility, the simulators recreated accurate flight control parameters and control laws based off of real world conditions in order to prepare for eventual type certification flight testing. EmbraerX engineers have also already been testing the design’s fifth generation fly-by-wire controls, and the aircraft will initially support piloted operations but will be able to later upgrade to autonomous flight. Stein is confident that with Embraer’s vast experience in the aerospace industry, they will quickly be able to certify a reliable and efficient aircraft design.
“One of the things we have talked about is how to leverage our know-how to develop new aircraft, and [we saw this] when we did the first flight in the E2 because we broke records in expanding the flight envelope,” he said. “A lot of [eVTOL] startups rush to fly something just to have something to show investors.”

Concept model of the EmbraerX eVTOL. Photograph: Embraer
The simulator, located at the company’s headquarters in Sao Jose dos Campos, will be qualified to test the man-machine interfaces of the eVTOL design, using both experienced and inexperienced pilots. Luiz Valentini, engineering manager, said that EmbraerX works on the assumption that the aerial mobility industry will need to rely on pilots with a large variety in background and experience, meaning that the design of a very user-friendly control interface will be crucial for the new aircraft. The simulator will also allow for the preparation for an eventual shift to fully autonomous operations, giving information on detect and avoid systems, and other capabilities necessary for autonomous flight. “We are trying to create a vehicle that we can show will have the flexibility to operate in different airspaces around the world and it gives us the confidence to be able to facilitate autonomous flight capabilities before we fly the aircraft,” says Valentini.
Details on the new aircraft are limited. EmbraerX’s eVTOL will be a four-person all electric aircraft, with eight, fixed propellers attached to two parallel wings for vertical lift, while a pair of ducted fans are attached to the rear of the aircraft for cruise flight.
While a date for the aircraft has not been released yet, EmbraerX has also begun work on the required infrastructure for the design, intending to incorporate studies dedicated to the development of urban air traffic management into a consultation document by the first quarter of 2021, and begin implementation of a fully functional urban air traffic infrastructure system. Stein stresses that Embraer remains focused on supporting the wider “eco-system” for urban air mobility (UAM), including air traffic management and ground infrastructure. “Our goal is to make it [UAM] more accessible and scalable, taking account of both hybrid-electric and electric aircraft,” said David Rottblatt, leader of EmbraerX’s urban air traffic management project.
Why it’s important: With the right infrastructure in place, EmbraerX sees potential for an aerial mobility market, especially as eVTOL aircraft change the scope of air transportation in and around cities. With extensive experience spanning decades in designing and certifying aircraft, EmbraerX possesses the ability to create a working, reliable eVTOL design, and create the necessary ecosystem for such a design to fly in.
Source // AIN Online
EHang 216 Offers Autonomous Sightseeing Flights over Sea in East China
According to their official press release, EHang announced that they would be offering aerial sightseeing trips originating from Yantai, a coastal city in East China. The first flights featured the EHang 216 as it took four passengers (in two trips) around the Fisherman’s Wharf in Yantai. According to the passengers, the reviews were glowing: “It was amazing. I felt safe...

EHang 216 Offers Autonomous Sightseeing Flights over Sea in East China

According to their official press release, EHang announced that they would be offering aerial sightseeing trips originating from Yantai, a coastal city in East China. The first flights featured the EHang 216 as it took four passengers (in two trips) around the Fisherman’s Wharf in Yantai. According to the passengers, the reviews were glowing: “It was amazing. I felt safe throughout the journey. The EHang 216 flew at a steady pace with almost no turbulence. This was my first time to experience such a ‘bird’s eye view’ from the air. I cannot wait to take another trip!”
This event is a part of EHang’s world flight tour, which according to EHang is “aimed to demonstrate the reliability and versatility of its passenger-grade AAVs through safe autonomous flights in various commercial use cases, including passenger transportation, aerial sightseeing, air logistics, medical emergency response.” So far, EHang has successfully completed thousands of trial and demo flights across 21 cities and 6 countries, including China, the United States of America, Austria, Netherlands, Qatar, and the United Arab Emirates. According to Hu Huazhi, EHang founder, chairman, and CEO, “As the world’s first provider of passenger-grade AAVs, we are honored to prove this game-changing air mobility solution by demonstrating flights to regulators, customers, partners and the general public. The positive supports and feedback have strengthened our determination in our quest to bring this new style of mobility to the people.”
The EHang 216 is one of EHang’s most prominent eVTOL designs, featuring a fully autonomous flight system, 8 dual side rotors, and can hold up to two passengers. Learn more about the 216 on our hanger page here.

Passengers took EHang 216 for aerial sightseeing trips in Yantai, a city in east China. Photograph: EHang
Why it’s important: These most recent flights, featured as part of EHang’s worldwide flight tour event, have spread much acclaim and praise for the aerospace company. While numerous companies have reached the flight testing phase, creating events like these flight tours allow EHang to give the public more insight and positive exposure for their 216 and the idea of “flying cars”.
Source // EHang Press Release – 7/14/2020
Alaka’i Technologies Updates Design Plans for the Skai
One year after revealing their innovative design for the first fully hydrogen powered VTOL aircraft, Alaka’i Technologies has come out with some revisions into their development of the Skai. The Skai gained much acclaim with the announcement that it would use liquid hydrogen as opposed to electric or conventional. An initial design was proposed by Alaka’i back in June 2019,...

Alaka’i Technologies Updates Design Plans for the Skai

One year after revealing their innovative design for the first fully hydrogen powered VTOL aircraft, Alaka’i Technologies has come out with some revisions into their development of the Skai. The Skai gained much acclaim with the announcement that it would use liquid hydrogen as opposed to electric or conventional. An initial design was proposed by Alaka’i back in June 2019, and in short, the Skai was planned to feature a range of 400 miles (644 km) and a flight time of 4 hours using a simple 6 rotor multicopter design. According to CTO Brian Morrison, this simplicity in design was the key advantage of the Skai’s design: less complexity in design would mean both less maintenance and quicker certification.

The Alaka’i Skai Photograph: Alaka’i Technologies
A year in, Alaka’i has slightly shifted their milestones for the Skai. The original Skai design revealed last year has progressed to the tethered flight stage, and currently Alaka’i is working on a refined prototype design based off of the first one. So far, all testing has been done with an automated piloting system. Manned flight is expected to be begun in early 2021, but according to Alaka’i CEO Steve Hanvey, it could take longer: “Right now, we’re capable of flying it from the ground. In fact at this point I’m flying it about 50 feet away from the aircraft. Very quiet, very little air wash compared to a traditional helicopter. I’m flying it with my thumbs like you’d fly a drone. In the software, it’s capable of taking off and hovering by itself, but we prefer to have physical control.”
As for Alaka’i’s certification process, the Skai is currently two years into the FAA’s certification process, which is expected to take five years. Additionally, Alaka’i has an experimental ticket application ready once the Skai is able to fly off tethers and with a pilot. The process will take time before its finished, but Hanvey remains confident. “I’ve been certifying aircraft since 1980,” he says. “Military programs, helicopters, fixed wings, small and large, Our whole team brings experience from the aerospace business around what it takes to get an aircraft successfully certified, and what does it take to support it.”
The initial design for the Skai was ambitious, but still not impossible. “I think some of the statements made previously were perhaps overly ambitious, made in the excitement of the moment,” says Skai’s Chief Marketing and Sales Officer Bruce Gunter, “But that’s what happens when you’re pushing the envelope in that respect. We’re working hard to get there.”
Why it’s important: The Skai’s main draw comes from the innovative usage of liquid hydrogen, a choice that allows the Skai to both outpace competitors in terms of speed, range, and maintenance. With a much higher energy density than lithium batteries, liquid hydrogen offers genuine long-range flight capabilities, as well as fast refuelling. Used in a fuel cell electric powertrain, its only local emissions are water, and there are a growing number of ways to produce it in a completely green and sustainable fashion, some of which are beginning to become cost-competitive with jet fuel, giving the Skai high potential to become one of the driving forces of the aerial mobility industry.
Source // New Atlas
New South Wales Government Invests in AMSL Aero for Flying Car Technology
The New South Wales government has awarded startup AMSL Aero a grant of $950,000 from the State Government’s Regional Investment Attraction Fund. The grant will enable construction of a testing facility at Narromine’s Aerodrome, where the company will conduct developmental test flights and, later, certification flight testing, with a goal of achieving certification at the end of 2023. AMSL Aero...

New South Wales Government Invests in AMSL Aero for Flying Car Technology

The New South Wales government has awarded startup AMSL Aero a grant of $950,000 from the State Government’s Regional Investment Attraction Fund. The grant will enable construction of a testing facility at Narromine’s Aerodrome, where the company will conduct developmental test flights and, later, certification flight testing, with a goal of achieving certification at the end of 2023.

(pictured left to right) NSW Deputy Premier John Barilaro with AMSL Aero co-founders Siobhan Lyndon and Andrew Moore and a model of their electric aircraft. Photograph: Salty Dingo
AMSL Aero is currently in the process of developing their own flying car for use in the NSW transport industry, with AMSL Aero co-founder and CEO Andrew Moore quoted as to saying “We are excited by the opportunity to use this grant to help us prepare for our upcoming launch and build essential testing facilities”.
AMSL Aero’s project flying car, having been in development for a few years, has been described as primarily an electric fixed-wing aircraft in terms of power efficiency and speed, but with the takeoff and lift capabilities of a VTOL aircraft. While details on the aircraft have not been publicly released at this stage, Moore confirmed that the company’s aim was to produce a zero emissions aircraft that provides a new method of transport to connect regional and urban communities without a carbon footprint. The aircraft is also confirmed to have a passenger capacity of at least 4 people and a pilot, and a tentative range of a trip between Sydney and Canberra, or about 286 km (178 miles). AMSL Aero also expressed an interest in extending that range to that of a trip between Sydney and Melbourne, or about 877 km (545 miles).

AMSL Aero co-founder and CEO Andrew Moore (left) pictured with a flight-capable scaled model of the aircraft. Photograph: AMSL Aero
Other features that AMSL Aero is interested in eventually integrating into their aircraft includes a hydrogen fuel cell power source and complete automation. A prototype is expected to be publicly released by the end of 2020.
“We’ve targeted an extremely efficient design that will lead to a more affordable and environmentally friendly transport option,” says Moore.
Why it’s important: New South Wales becomes one of the latest governments to buy in to the aerial mobility industry, with Deputy Premier John Barilaro quoted as saying: “The potential benefits this technology can deliver will overcome the tyranny of distance that we face in regional NSW. It means people can easily travel to jobs, visit friends and family in remote locations and deliver tourists to hard-to-reach outback havens”. Encapsulating the importance of this move by the NSW government, he goes on to say, “It sounds like science fiction but the reality is a future where this is possible, practical and affordable is not that far away and I am proud that our investment attraction grant will help the development of this new technology and support jobs in regional NSW.”
Source // The Guardian
Lilium’s Vision for a Scalable Vertiport
Lilium recently shared its vision of a scalable, high-speed regional transportation system for for aerial mobility. Naming the key design concepts as “lean” and “modular”, Lilium could potentially accommodate a variety of locations for a vertiport, whether at an existing transportation terminal, next to a shopping center, or even directly next to a residential area, similarly to a bus stop. Focusing...

Lilium’s Vision for a Scalable Vertiport

Lilium recently shared its vision of a scalable, high-speed regional transportation system for for aerial mobility. Naming the key design concepts as “lean” and “modular”, Lilium could potentially accommodate a variety of locations for a vertiport, whether at an existing transportation terminal, next to a shopping center, or even directly next to a residential area, similarly to a bus stop.
Focusing on simplicity and cost-efficiency, Lilium’s design centers on modules that would implement fundamental components for both regulatory compliance and efficient operations. Lilium designed the modules with three basic parts: a take-off area, vehicle parking, and a terminal. Lilium mentioned that the vertiports would also require high-power charging equipment, air traffic control technology, and digital check-in tools, but that those would be ‘bundled’ into a standardized ‘plug-and-play solution’ for easy scalability.
The takeoff area, sometimes referred to as a FATO (Final Approach and Take-Off) or a TLOF (Touchdown and Lift-OFF area), will be a focal point for operations. With careful considerations for safety and regulatory compliance, a safety zone will be integrated into the takeoff area with inspiration taken from existing heliports.
The parking stand is where the passengers would board and disembark from the aircraft (in this case, the Lilium Jet) as well as where aircraft cleaning, checkups, charging, and transfer of flight data would be conducted for speedy throughput operations. Additionally, the parking stands are properly sized to ensure passenger safety while not taking up excess space.
The terminal, designed with a reduction in waiting and processing kept in mind, according to Lilium, “focuses on delivering a seamless and frictionless experience for our customers.”

An exemplary urban vertiport layout. A- takeoff area, B- parking stands, C- terminal. Photo courtesy of Lilium.
“Vertiports, in their smallest configuration, can be built for as little as €1–2 million. These basic versions of a vertiport are typically ground-based, with small waiting areas and a limited set of gates for charging. Larger, elevated structures require a higher investment of between €7–15 million, depending on their situation and size.” (from a statement from Lilium)
While technical specifications of the modules and overall vertiport configurations have not been revealed, the driving force behind Lilium’s design is clearly simplicity and scalability, which would allow Lilium to expand vertiport infrastructure as fast as possible while considering regulatory compliance, safety, and variable capacity standards.
Read more about Lilium’s innovative design in their blog post here.

The Lilium Jet. Photo courtesy of Lilium.
Why it’s important: Lilium’s vision for a scalable vertiport brings modularity and a distinct level of simplicity to the table. With the latest concept, stakeholders in Lilium get a first look at what ‘standardized’, regulatory compliant, and safe vertiports may look like in the coming years.
Source // Lilium Blog
Honeywell’s New Cooling System for Aerial Mobility
Honeywell has introduced its innovative new thermal management system, the Micro Vapor Cycle System (MicroVCS). The MicroVCS is an efficient, lightweight thermal management system that uses advanced technology to push cold air or liquid to cool compartments, electric components and power systems. Designed specifically for the emerging aerial mobility industry, the MicroVCS is both lighter and completely oil-free with fewer...

Honeywell’s New Cooling System for Aerial Mobility

Honeywell has introduced its innovative new thermal management system, the Micro Vapor Cycle System (MicroVCS). The MicroVCS is an efficient, lightweight thermal management system that uses advanced technology to push cold air or liquid to cool compartments, electric components and power systems. Designed specifically for the emerging aerial mobility industry, the MicroVCS is both lighter and completely oil-free with fewer moving parts, meaning that maintenance and repair are much simpler; an important factor to consider when air taxis will most likely record flights at a higher rate than conventional aircraft.
“Aircraft in the emerging UAM or all-electric categories will need to be lightweight and avoid significant downtime for maintenance. It will also be extremely important to maintain battery temperature and ensure passenger comfort,” said Tom Hart, VP and general manager of Air & Thermal Systems at Honeywell Aerospace. “Our new MicroVCS is up to 35% lighter and 20% more efficient than existing systems, which helps address these major concerns.”
Notably, the MicroVCS will first be implemented in Eviation’s Alice, an all electric commuter aircraft. According to Omer Bar-Yohay, CEO at Eviation, “In an all-electric aircraft, every ounce counts, so we needed an efficient way to provide cooling comfort for passengers in our fleet without adding excessive weight. Our adoption of the MicroVCS will ensure better aircraft uptime and reduce our overall operating costs while enhancing our passengers’ experience.”
Why it’s important: The MicroVCS is the latest in a series of products Honeywell is developing specifically for aerial mobility. Others include a Compact Fly-by-Wire System, RDR-84K Radar, actuators, and lightweight inertial navigation systems. Having been a reliable and experienced aircraft systems manufacturer for decades, Honeywell’s contributions to the aerial mobility industry will be vital for the continued success of the industry.
Source // Intelligent Aerospace
Geely Reveals Terrafugia TF-2A eVTOL
The Zhejiang Geely Holding Group recently unveiled the prototype design of the Terrafugia TF-2A eVTOL aircraft, and announced that they have already begun flight tests as well. The newer design is a clear upgrade over the previous demonstrator that was revealed in December 2019. Based on the aesthetics of a tiger shark, the TF-2A features a large upper wing, H-shaped...

Geely Reveals Terrafugia TF-2A eVTOL

The Zhejiang Geely Holding Group recently unveiled the prototype design of the Terrafugia TF-2A eVTOL aircraft, and announced that they have already begun flight tests as well. The newer design is a clear upgrade over the previous demonstrator that was revealed in December 2019.
Based on the aesthetics of a tiger shark, the TF-2A features a large upper wing, H-shaped tail, eight lift propellers for vertical takeoff or landing (VTOL) as well as one rear propeller for horizontal flight. According to Geely, the design should make certification easier to obtain as opposed to the more common tilt-rotor designs in the industry. For example, the New Hampshire Senate recently motioned to pass a number of bills, one of which pertained to the topic of aerial mobility. HB-1517, “An Act Relative to Roadable Aircraft,” adds the words “roadable aircraft” to existing laws for vehicles concerning things like inspections and crashes, requiring the roadable aircraft to be “required to take off and land from a suitable airstrip and shall be prohibited from taking off and landing from any public roadway, unless under conditions of an emergency”. Currently, only Terrafugia’s TF-2A and PAL-V’s eVTOL meet these standards.
Geely also announced that flight testing has already begun for this newest prototype version of the TF-2A, by testing a metal frame bed with a take-off weight of 1,320 lb (600 kg) while using only four lift propellers. By doing so, the engineers were able to verify the aircraft’s ability of vertical take-offs and landings and hovering, dynamic response, stability, functional coordination, and preliminary safety and reliability of each system.
Geely intends for the final version of the TF-2A to be able to have a maximum take-off weight of 2,645 lb (1,200 kg) and a payload of up to 440 lb (200 kg), as well as a maximum range of 62 miles (100 km), max cruising speed of 110 mph (180 kph), and a service ceiling altitude of 9840 ft (3000 m).
According to Geely, the company plans to launch the full-scale TF-2A prototype “in the near future”.
Below is a flight of Geely’s latest physical prototype from last January:
Why it’s important: Following the acquisition of Terrafugia by Geely in 2017, the company has made several strides towards the development of the aerial mobility industry. With work of the TF-2A beginning just last year, we expect to see many more innovative developments from Terrafugia and Geely, as well as a commercial release within the next decade.
Source // electrive
Airbus Continues Flight Tests for CityAirbus
Airbus has recently released new footage of the CityAirbus eVTOL performing untethered flight at a facility in Donauwörth, Germany. Watch the footage below. The footage was shared by Airbus Helicopters CEO Bruno Even on his personal Twitter Account. The CityAirbus was quoted as being “a key element in our innovation roadmap in order to develop the techno-bricks necessary for achieving...

Airbus Continues Flight Tests for CityAirbus

Airbus has recently released new footage of the CityAirbus eVTOL performing untethered flight at a facility in Donauwörth, Germany. Watch the footage below.
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The footage was shared by Airbus Helicopters CEO Bruno Even on his personal Twitter Account. The CityAirbus was quoted as being “a key element in our innovation roadmap in order to develop the techno-bricks necessary for achieving sustainable aviation.” Additionally, according to an Airbus spokesperson, the flight in the footage was in line with the previous flight tests, with no setbacks. Interestingly, it was also the first time Evens personally oversaw the flight of the impressive eVTOL demonstrator.
The CityAirbus project, part of Airbus’ designs to develop a workable and mass-producible commercial electric air taxi service, explores many aspects for Airbus’ future program. The demonstrator features a four-seat, multicopter design, with eight propellers encased within four ducted propulsion units, and a top speed of 75mph. Airbus is also experimenting with integrated technology for autonomous flight.
Watch CityAirbus’ first untethered flight here.
For more information on the demonstrator, visit our aircraft page here

The demonstrator features a four-seat, multicopter design, with eight propellers encased within four ducted propulsion units, and a top speed of 75mph.
Why it’s important: As confirmed early summer, Airbus remains committed to the development of the CityAirbus program and air mobility in general. As announced by an Airbus spokesperson, “Airbus considers new forms of air transport such as UAM [urban air mobility] an opportunity to develop key technologies for the future of VTOL platforms, including electric flight and autonomy.”
Source // @BrunoEven (Bruno Even), Twitter
SkyDrive to Exhibit First Public Flight Demo Following 100th Corporate Sponsorship
Japanese eVTOL company SkyDrive announced the conclusion of their 100th corporate sponsorship agreement, announcing a public flight demo sometime this summer. The company has gained 100 Japanese and international corporations, including Toyota, Panasonic, and Sony PCL, in support of the commercialization of air mobility by 2023. SkyDrive is now readying to tackle their next milestone: a manned public flight demonstration...

SkyDrive to Exhibit First Public Flight Demo Following 100th Corporate Sponsorship

Japanese eVTOL company SkyDrive announced the conclusion of their 100th corporate sponsorship agreement, announcing a public flight demo sometime this summer. The company has gained 100 Japanese and international corporations, including Toyota, Panasonic, and Sony PCL, in support of the commercialization of air mobility by 2023. SkyDrive is now readying to tackle their next milestone: a manned public flight demonstration in Japan sometime this summer. Further details on the specifics such as date and location are expected to be released in the following months.
“On occasion, those of us who were pouring our time and energy into Cartivator’s flying car project as volunteers realized the limitations of privately funded development activities and wondered if our target of staging a flight demonstration in the summer of 2020 could be met,” says SkyDrive Chief Executive Tomohiro Fukuzawa, “However, the generous support of our sponsors, which has come in the form of financial assistance, engineering expertise and insights, and human resources, has meant everything to us and enabled us to hang on to our dream and keep our project going. On behalf of the entire team, I would like once again to express my deepest gratitude to all of our sponsors and promise that we will remain fully committed to staging the flight demonstration scheduled for this summer.”
SkyDrive is a Japanese eVTOL company, originally established by the members of CARTIVATOR, a group of aircraft, drones, and automotive engineers coming from a background of working at Toyota. While SkyDrive originally intended to demonstrate their eVTOL at the lighting of the torch at the 2020 Summer Olympics, the company nevertheless intends to show off the capabilities of their flying car sometime this summer.
Why it’s important: Skydrive is on the leading edge of aerial mobility technology in Japan, and following their acquiral of their 100th corporate sponsor as well as the success of their manned flight tests, now look to demonstrate to the public their accomplishments. It remains to be seen how widely the company expands beyond Japan, but Skydrive’s strong funding and progress in testing has drawn attention across the globe.
Source // SkyDrive Public Relations
Urban Aeronautics Partners with HyPoint to Design Hydrogen-Powered CityHawk
Israeli aviation company Urban Aeronautics has partnered with HyPoint in order to develop a hydrogen-powered version of their CityHawk eVTOL. The partnership enables Urban Aeronautics to utilize HyPoint’s unique “turbo air-cooled” hydrogen fuel cell design to replace the existing powertrain which uses jet fuel. The new design of the CityHawk will possess obvious advantages; Lightweight, emission-free, reliable, and powerful, HyPoint’s...

Urban Aeronautics Partners with HyPoint to Design Hydrogen-Powered CityHawk

Israeli aviation company Urban Aeronautics has partnered with HyPoint in order to develop a hydrogen-powered version of their CityHawk eVTOL. The partnership enables Urban Aeronautics to utilize HyPoint’s unique “turbo air-cooled” hydrogen fuel cell design to replace the existing powertrain which uses jet fuel. The new design of the CityHawk will possess obvious advantages; Lightweight, emission-free, reliable, and powerful, HyPoint’s fuel cell is ideal for use in a sector of aviation that increasingly favors environmentally friendly aircraft designs.
The CityHawk, a commercial version of the Cormorant, possesses a moderate resemblance to a futuristic car, lacking the wings or propeller arms that would be seen on the frame of a typical eVTOL aircraft. Officially designated as a “fancraft” by Urban Aeronautics, the VTOL takes flight through inconspicuous lift rotors installed at the front and rear, and is able to seat six people, with autonomous piloting.
The current design of the CityHawk (and Cormorant) requires the use of several turbine engines, of which the power requirements vastly exceed the ability of any lithium battery-based powertrain, which was the main reason why Urban Aeronautics pursued a partnership with HyPoint. A hydrogen fuel cell powertrain possesses both the capability to run the turbine engines while also presenting a much more environmentally friendly alternative to jet fuel. According to Rafi Yoeli, CEO of Urban Aeronautics, “We look forward to collaborating with HyPoint on the integration of the next generation of hydrogen fuel cell systems for eVTOL transportation and the urban air mobility market… As a high-power, 100 percent environmentally friendly fuel, hydrogen is key to the future of eVTOL aircraft.”
Why it’s important: Urban Aeronautics pursuing a hydrogen based fuel source for the CityHawlk allows for them to keep the attractive design of the Cormorant, which possesses one of the smallest ground footprints of any VTOL air taxi design capable of seating four or more people. A completely electric powertrain is currently not feasible with existing battery technology, but the proposed alternative is the next best thing, as it will still allow Urban Aeronautics to vastly reduce their carbon footprint from their design.
Source // New Atlas
Beta Technologies Unveils its ‘Alia’ Aircraft
Beta Technologies unveiled its newest air taxi design, called the ‘Alia’, this week, when it moved the aircraft prototype from Burlington, Vermont to Plattsburgh, New York. Notably, Beta is one of two companies, along with Joby Aviation, to have been selected by the US Air Force to advance to the next stage of development in Agility Prime. The Alia features...

Beta Technologies Unveils its ‘Alia’ Aircraft

Beta Technologies unveiled its newest air taxi design, called the ‘Alia’, this week, when it moved the aircraft prototype from Burlington, Vermont to Plattsburgh, New York. Notably, Beta is one of two companies, along with Joby Aviation, to have been selected by the US Air Force to advance to the next stage of development in Agility Prime.
The Alia features four horizontally mounted rotors for vertical lift and a single rear-facing propeller for forward flight, and the entire aircraft is sleek and tapered at the ends, bringing to mind the image of a bird in flight. According to Beta Technologies founder Kyle Clark, the inspiration behind the Alia’s design can be accredited to the Artic tern, well known for its yearly migration from the northern Arctics all the way down to Antarctica, a total distance of about 25,000 miles (40,000 km), a feat that the Alia hopes to eventually match. The design is unique among most eVTOL aircraft; most eVTOLs use tilt-rotor systems where the rotors point up for takeoff and landing, and tilt forward for horizontal flight. Instead, each of the Alia’s rotors will be fixed, and it will mainly rely upon the sizable wingspan and the rear propellor for sufficient horizontal flight. The main advantage of this design is reliability. Fixed rotors will require fewer parts and complications, which allows for quicker certification and less maintenance. Because of this, Beta’s engineers can also optimize their designs without worrying about tradeoffs, according to propulsion engineer Herman Wiegman.
“Our primary objective is to meet our first customer’s mission, reliable organ delivery when and where it’s needed,” Clark says. “We couldn’t have an aircraft that had any possibility of being grounded for repairs due to a complex system.”
Few technical specifications were released at this time, but Beta intends for the Alia to eventually be able to fly a total distance of 250 miles (400 km) while only requiring one hour to charge. The Alia has a wingspan of 50 ft (15 m) and a total takeoff weight of 6,000 lb. (2721 kg). However, the prototype version in its demonstration flight over Lake Chaplain weighed in at only 3800 lb (1723 kg), with components not required for the flight having been stripped from the aircraft. The sheer size of the Alia’s wingspan will also allow for less power output from its rotors, greatly improving the efficiency of eVTOL aircraft. As for its power source, the Alia will use existing battery technology as its main source of propulsion and lift.
United Therapeutics, the primary client of Beta Technologies, intends to use the Alia as part of implementing an efficient and environmentally friendly distribution system. Additionally, Beta Technologies hopes to expand usage of the Alia by developing an ecosystem where it can charge at locations along its most common flight routes, which could be for any sort of commercial applications, cargo transportation, and air taxis.
Beta looks to begin testing the transition from vertical to forward flight in the summer of 2020. According to Clark, the purpose of the Alia is to understand its flight characteristics as first a conventional airplane, then a helicopter, and finally as an eVTOL.
Why it’s important: Beta Technologies work with the Alia is for the development of an ultra efficient flight-control system, avionics, and power management software where Beta can reliably make both urgent transplant organ deliveries to hospitals and send passengers across towns or between cities. The successful development of the Alia could completely change how all other future eVTOL designs are approached.
Source // Wired
S. Korea Works with Hyundai to Commercialize Aerial Mobility by 2025
South Korea looks to commercialize the aerial mobility market domestically by 2025, aiming to address the severe traffic congestion issues in urban areas such as Seoul. Working in conjunction with Hyundai Motor Group, the South Korean government intends to begin aerial mobility services in 2025 with two sets of terminals, where personal air vehicles (PAVs) would travel in predetermined routes along...

S. Korea Works with Hyundai to Commercialize Aerial Mobility by 2025

South Korea looks to commercialize the aerial mobility market domestically by 2025, aiming to address the severe traffic congestion issues in urban areas such as Seoul. Working in conjunction with Hyundai Motor Group, the South Korean government intends to begin aerial mobility services in 2025 with two sets of terminals, where personal air vehicles (PAVs) would travel in predetermined routes along major cities. By 2030, the government hopes to expand from 2 to 10 terminals, according to the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport.
“The ministry will join hands with Hyundai Motor Group and other local companies to push forward the UAM commercialization project,” a ministry official said. It is not yet known which companies the government will be working with aside from Hyundai.
The government expects the aerial mobility market to reach 13 trillion won (approx 11 billion USD) by 2040, as aerial mobility services will work with existing transportation infrastructure in order to greatly ease traffic congestion in major urban areas. For this purpose, the PAVs that will be put in use will feature a range of 30 to 50 km, or 19 to 31 miles. The ministry additionally noted that promotion of such a service would require a “comprehensive industrial ecosystem”, where companies work to cover all phases of an aerial mobility service: production of PAVs, maintenance, repair and overhaul services, and flight control systems and insurance services.
Recently, Hyundai Motor Services revealed their S-A1 personal air vehicle (PAV) concept at the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas. Featuring an all-electric vertical takeoff and landing design, the S-A1 will hold 5 people including the pilot, and Hyundai will continue to keep an avenue open for potential autonomization in the future.
To learn more about Hyundai’s developments, click here
Why it’s important: As both one of the largest industrial sectors and smallest countries with regards to landmass, the prospect of aerial mobility is a highly lucrative one to the government of South Korea, whose cities such as Seoul holds some of the highest levels of traffic congestion among major cities. The progressive steps taken by the government to work with domestic companies to accelerate development of aerial mobility look to result in a first-rate aerial mobility service, complete with local infrastructure and vehicles.
Source // The Korea Herald
Watfly’s Atlas Looks to Launch in 2021
The Atlas is a recreational one-seater electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft that could be one of the first air mobility vehicles on commercial market, possibly as soon as 2021. The personal air vehicle, in development by Watfly, was conceptually modeled after the “oversized backyard quadcopters” built by aviation enthusiasts, according to Watfly co-founder Gonzalo Espinoza Graham. “We very...

Watfly’s Atlas Looks to Launch in 2021

The Atlas is a recreational one-seater electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft that could be one of the first air mobility vehicles on commercial market, possibly as soon as 2021. The personal air vehicle, in development by Watfly, was conceptually modeled after the “oversized backyard quadcopters” built by aviation enthusiasts, according to Watfly co-founder Gonzalo Espinoza Graham. “We very quickly realized that autonomous, vertical take-off and landing, electric aircraft would be the next available step, so we got to work.”
The Atlas will fit into a niche area of aerial mobility that not many other vehicles are designed for; Graham stated that the Atlas is designed for recreational purposes, aiming for the classification of an Ultralight Air Vehicle, meaning that it will not require a pilot’s license to fly. This does also mean that the Atlas will be restricted from flying over urban areas, including cities or towns, or through restricted airspaces. Watfly expects the Atlas to be certified by the FAA next year.
The vehicle itself is tiny compared to other air vehicles: it weighs in at 285 lb. unloaded with 250 lb. of carry weight, and has a height and wingspan of 8.2 ft. and 15 ft, respectively. Equipped with collision avoidance systems and an emergency parachute, the Atlas is the ideal vehicle for recreational air travel. As for the Atlas’ range, the vehicle can reach up to 125 mph and can fly for approximately one hour. Similar to a Tesla, the Atlas’ battery will be rechargeable at any port and can fully recharge in two hours.
The Atlas is expected to be available at a commercial price of $150,000 next year. To learn more about the Atlas, visit Watfly’s site here.
Why it’s important: The key importance of the Atlas is in its early expected availability. If released on schedule, the Atlas will be one of the first aerial mobility vehicles on the commercial market, albeit with limited applications. While the vehicle will be purely recreational and unable to travel over any urban areas, the relatively low price paired with the early release means that the Atlas will be one of the more easily accessible air mobility vehicles on the market.
Source // Robb Report
Wisk Looks to Resume Flight Tests for Cora
Wisk is looking to resume flight tests for the Cora eVTOL aircraft by the end of the month, following the COVID-19 lockdown protocol in New Zealand, where the bulk of the project design is conducted. Wisk gained hope when New Zealand lowered their lockdown protocol from Level 4 to Level 3, allowing company technicians to resume prep work on the...

Wisk Looks to Resume Flight Tests for Cora

Wisk is looking to resume flight tests for the Cora eVTOL aircraft by the end of the month, following the COVID-19 lockdown protocol in New Zealand, where the bulk of the project design is conducted. Wisk gained hope when New Zealand lowered their lockdown protocol from Level 4 to Level 3, allowing company technicians to resume prep work on the prototype. If all goes well, New Zealand is expected to lower their protocol to Level 2 within the month, allowing Wisk to resume flight testing.
The Cora prototype has undergone several redesigns, and with the fourth, most recent iteration, the Cora design has completed over 1,200 flights. With the newest version of the Cora, Wisk has finalized the multi-rotor propulsion system architecture save for any potential battery improvements, according to Wisk CEO Gary Gysin. Further improvements for the Cora remain in payload capacity and sensor technology. With the interruption of the pandemic at this stage of development, it was surprising that the pandemic has not been as disruptive as expected, says Gysin. “In a strange way, it [the disruption] has helped because when you are busy developing and innovating you don’t stay on top of the documentation.”
During the downtime, the company redoubled efforts in documentation work that hopefully will save time in the latter stage of the certification process. With the Civil Aviation Authority of New Zealand recently in talks with the FAA regarding plans to allow American officials to be able to observe type certification work on the Cora and share data, this could ultimately end up saving time for the team to await certification for the Cora.
“New Zealand has done a good job [responding to the Covid-19 pandemic], having been very restrictive early on,” said Gysin, “We will probably be able to resume flight testing earlier than we would have been able to do in the U.S. and this gives us an advantage.”
Additionally for Wisk, on April 29 Dan Dalton was appointed as vice president of global partnerships. Dalton previously worked at Airspace Systems as executive vice president of strategic partnerships, and also worked at General Atomics Aeronautical Systems and the U.S. Department of Energy.
Learn more about the Cora here
Why it’s important: Fortunately, one of the more promising companies in the aerial mobility sector looks to have gotten through the pandemic relatively unscathed. WIsk now looks to return to active development of the Cora, thanks to Boeing’s continued firm commitment to the aerial mobility sector. Additionally, with the promising outlook for New Zealand’s lockdown situation, Wisk looks to take full advantage of the potential early return for the Cora.
Source // AINonline
e.SAT Reveals New Design for the Aerial Mobility Market
e.Sat represents the newest German aviation startup to enter the aerial mobility market. A new project company, e.Sat is working on the “Silent Air Taxi” project, an electric hybrid platform, stemming from the German Council of Science and Humanities (RWTH) Aachen University. The project currently employs 50 people for development and engineering of the electric fixed-wing aircraft. It was first...

e.SAT Reveals New Design for the Aerial Mobility Market

e.Sat represents the newest German aviation startup to enter the aerial mobility market. A new project company, e.Sat is working on the “Silent Air Taxi” project, an electric hybrid platform, stemming from the German Council of Science and Humanities (RWTH) Aachen University. The project currently employs 50 people for development and engineering of the electric fixed-wing aircraft. It was first presented at the Paris Air Show, where all parties signed a letter of intent. Currently, the maiden flight is set for mid-late 2020.
In development for over 4 years, the e.SAT is designed to carry 5 occupants, 4 passengers and 1 pilot. The aircraft will have a cruising speed of 300 km/h (186 MPH) with a range of 1000 km range (621 miles). Its take-off distance is 400 meters or 1,312 feet. The powertrain components are to be provided by the Fraunhofer IPT (Institute for Production Technology), and the actual engine will be provided by MTU Aero Engines. It will also feature a connected box wing configuration, an interesting choice as few other aerial mobility companies have attempted a design with one. According to Lars Wagner, MTU Aero Engines COO, the Silent Air Taxi project has a high chance of becoming a reality.
The e.SAT’s main draw is focused on a vital area for eVTOL development: sound. The company states that their intention is to develop the e.SAT with 65 dBA takeoffs, and have the aircraft be completely “inaudible” at 100 meters (328 feet) away.
Dr. Günther Schuh, Managing Director and Dr. Schuh, professor of Production Systematics at the RWTH Aachen University are both the co-founders of the electric vehicle manufacturer Streetscooter and managing director of the electric vehicle manufacturer e.GO Mobile. Additionally, the Transport Ministry is securing 4 million euros for an extension of the project, with an additional 12.7 million euros earmarked for further development of the Aachen-Merzbrück airfield where the aircraft will be tested.
The company hopes to achieve its EASA CS-23 certification in 2024.
Why it’s important: With established companies and early startups already deep into their process of developing their version of aerial mobility, e.SAT looks to make up for their later start with an emphasis on low noise disturbances from their aircraft. Undoubtedly an important factor in getting a quick certification for their design, we are excited to see which direction the e.SAT takes over the course of the next few decades.
Source // electrek
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