The two companies will perform a joint study on the future of aircraft electrification for UAM

BAE Systems and Jaunt Air Mobility signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), agreeing to explore the development of electric energy management systems in urban aerial mobility. This MoU will also have the two companies collaborate on examining current aircraft power management needs and gain a “deeper understanding of the extension of urban traffic into the airspace.”

Photo by Tom Haines.

BAE Systems, having announced their intentions to enter the electric aviation market a few months prior, have made their next step by involving Jaunt Air. “The collaboration with Jaunt Air Mobility leverages the strengths of two industry-leading companies to develop technology for a new ecosystem,” said Ehtisham Siddiqui, vice president and general manager of Controls and Avionics Solutions at BAE Systems. 

“This strategic collaboration builds on our two decades of heritage as we develop and certify controls and energy management systems for the future of flight.” – Ehtisham Siddiqui

BAE Systems Regional Aircraft – J31 Air to Air. Photo credit: BAE Systems

Jaunt Air Mobility, currently in the process of submitting their own eVTOL as a partner of Uber Elevate, seeks to improve their power systems management through this MoU. Both companies stand to gain a competitive advantage in their respective markets with this agreement, and their alignment in interest is what lead to this collobaration. “BAE Systems’ development and integration expertise in high integrity controls and power management systems gives our business an edge in the development of next generation air vehicles for urban environments,” said Kaydon Stanzione, chief executive officer at Jaunt Air Mobility. 

“Their proven track record from concept design through manufacturing was a major selection consideration for our business as we strive to provide the highest level of safety and efficiency for our aircraft.”  -Kaydon Stanzione

BAE Systems has 20-plus years of experience developing and integrating electric propulsion systems. The company has more than 10,000 electric-hybrid systems on transit buses and marine vessels around the globe, including major cities such as Paris, London, New York, and San Francisco. The company also has more than 40 years of experience in controls and avionics for military and commercial aircraft. 

Jaunt Air Mobility LLC is an aerospace company focused on developing advanced air vehicles that incorporate innovative technologies and management strategies, providing the highest levels of operational efficiencies, safety, and community acceptance. The company is a pioneer and world leader in the aerospace industry with the design and development of its Reduced Rotor Operating Speed Aircraft (ROSA™) solution for urban air mobility.

Why it’s important: WIth the experience in electric propulsion systems provided by BAE and the in-depth knowledge of the UAM market from Jaunt Air Mobility, this MoU is intended to address a lucrative topic in the future, the shift from a hybrid/conventional eVTOL model to a fully electric eVTOL model. The first to develop a working, fully electric eVTOL capable of providing the same benefits as conventional engines will have the ability to dominate both the electric aviation and UAM markets over the next few decades. 

Source // Press Release by BAE Systems

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ALI Technologies showed off their prototype, Xturismo, at the 2019 Tokyo Motor Show

While ALI Technologies is still in the process of developing its final product, they presented their prototype, the Xturismo Limited Edition, at the 2019 Tokyo Motor Show at Tokyo Big Sight. ALI plans to have the final product ready for delivery by late 2020, and gain licensing for public roads under Japan’s Road Transport Vehicle Act by 2023. Mass production is also scheduled once the vehicle gains licensing provisions. 

The Xturismo Limited Edition

The futuristic looking vehicle runs on two fans, aligned on the front and back of its underside. Additionally, four sub-fans are installed on each quadrant section of the vehicle for steering purposes, and small, motor-driven propellers are placed on either side of the vehicle to maintain posture control. A hybrid, the vehicle is driven by both a gasoline engine and electric battery; according to ALI, while a completely electric vehicle is the plan for mass production in 2023, the gasoline engine is installed for now to ensure sufficient and sustained driving power even with small propellers. A cowl on the front and an exhaust duct at the rear help to further maximize lift. ALI Technologies did not elaborate on the vehicle’s capabilities or specifications at this stage of its development. “As for speed, all I can say right now is that we are aiming to produce a 200-kilometer-per-hour model.”, says Katano Daisuke, president of ALI Technologies.

Katano Daisuke, president of ALI Technologies.

Conceptually, the vehicle is a “fusion of compact size and design,” according to Katano. Katano emphasizes the importance placed on design, and compares ALI to Tesla Motors, in that “we plan to start by marketing exclusive, high-end models, and after we’ve established our market, we’ll shift to mass production.” An important parallel would be the importance placed on the usage of clean energy in their vehicles; while Katano did not elaborate on the final product’s intended battery capabilities, at the moment ALI Technologies is aiming for two hours of driving time with one full charge of the batteries.

In concert with finishing the development of its aerial mobility technology, ALI is also working to build infrastructure for airborne traffic, including three-dimensional control systems and air route designs, ultimately aiming for “an air mobility society in which traffic accidents never happen,” according to Katano. The focus is especially strong on cutting down on traffic accidents by developing self-driving electric vehicles with a high degree of control.

“Self-driving vehicle mobility is easier to achieve in a three-dimensional rather than a two-dimensional context. The lack of obstacles make it easier to control the vehicle.” says Katano, “Our mission is to eliminate traffic accidents altogether.”

Like with many other eVTOLs and flying vehicles, ALI Technologies’ flying motorcycle will need to face numerous safety and legal hurdles to overcome, as well as a need for public acceptance. ALI Technologies has appointed Yasutomi Masafumi, a former vice transport minister, as its special advisor and is hoping to secure licenses for its airborne vehicles to be used on public roads by 2023. Until then, the vehicles will only be usable in areas such as: open fields, lakes, deserts, and wetlands, or even areas where unexploded ordnance is present. Uses that will benefit society, such as disaster relief,  will take precedent over personal applications.

ALI Technologies, headquartered in Minato, Tokyo, was established in September 2016 by a group of University of Tokyo student entrepreneurs developing drones. Chief among the group is Komatsu Shūhei, who developed the basis of a business plan for a flying bike and is the former company president and current chairman, and Katano Daisuke,who took over as president in July 2018. Komatsu and Katano work in tandem in guiding the firm, with Komatsu overseeing technology development and Katano taking responsibility for overall management of the company. 

“It’s a rare company that tackles both air infrastructure and air mobility,” says Katano, “I think there’s only one other company like ours, and it’s in Israel. Our company is working to achieve an air mobility society in which traffic accidents never happen.”

Why it’s important: It’s evident that aerial mobility can be realized in numerous forms other than the “flying car.” While similarities can be drawn with the flying motorcycle in development by JetPack Aviation, the main factor to look out for will be the difference in intended applications. ALI Technologies is ultimately aiming for “an air mobility society in which traffic accidents never happen,” while JetPack’s Speeder seems to be designed for purely recreational purposes. The paths of these two companies will be interesting to follow in light of the numerous more “traditional” aerial mobility companies. 

Source // nippon.com

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The VSR700 took its maiden flight on November 8 in southern France

The VTOL UAV made by Airbus made its maiden flight, performing several take-offs and landings with the longest flight lasting at around 10 minutes. See Airbus’ announcement below:

Our prototype of #VSR700 unmanned aerial system has performed its first flight at a #drone test centre in the south of France! The VSR700 performed several take-offs and landings on Friday 8th of November with the longest flight lasting around 10 minutes.https://t.co/ALBWSvRmwp

— Airbus Helicopters (@AirbusHeli) November 12, 2019

While not a direct development for the urban aerial mobility industry, Airbus Helicopters drone, the VSR700, an unmanned derivative of the Gimbal Helicopters Cabri G2 platform, showed off its capabilities as it was tethered with 30-metre cables to fully secure the flight test zone. The next steps of the test campaign will allow to move to autonomous free flight, then gradually open the drone flight envelope, according to Airbus Helicopters. At sea testing is expected to take place in 2021 and will involve a French Navy vessel and a VSR700 operational demonstrator. 

The VSR700 is capable of a maximum take-off weight between 500 and 1000 kg. Additionally, while Airbus has not released official specifications, the drone is expected to automatically land and take-off, fly for ten hours at 100 Nm and carry 100 kilos of payload, i.e. radar and optronics, as explained by the French Navy, who are expected to take on the drone as they search for a fit to their SDAM program ( Système de Drone Aérien pour la Marine) which calls for a medium size VTOL UAV to be deployed from surface combatants; many capabilities which are similar to the ones required by the UAM industry, in terms of payload and total flight capabilites.

According to Bruno Even, CEO of Airbus Helicopters, “This first flight of the VSR700 prototype is a major milestone for the programme as we make progress on the operational demonstrator for the French Navy that will perform trials in 2021 in partnership with Naval Group.”

The VSR700 prototype which has just performed its maiden flight is a step change from the optionally piloted demonstrator that first flew in 2017. For the first time, the VSR700 was fitted with specific avionics and flight controls, a payload bay, and a more aerodynamic profile to improve flight performance.   

Why it’s important: The VSR700 or any of its derivatives will likely not see any part of the UAM industry, yet it is important to note the significance of the development of aircraft that are capable of taking unmanned flight for nearly a dozen hours while being able to carry roughly 6-8 passengers. The development of autonomous free flight in its complete form transferring over to Airbus’ UAM section could present a massive overhaul of how we approach the proposal of UAM services in urban areas. 

Source // Naval News

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The two companies completed installation of the MagniX motor on a de Havilland Canada prototype

Harbour Air Seaplanes recently entered a partnership with MagniX in order to begin the conversion to the first all-electric airline. For that purpose, the company has installed the MagniX electric motor onto a de Havilland Canada DHC-2 Beaver, and plans to complete the prototype soon in order to begin testing. 

“With incredible work being completed each day and a number of integral components being delivered over the next few weeks, we are in the midst of some of the most exciting and critical development work. Currently, we are on track for the first test flight to take place before the end of the year. By mid-November, we expect to have a concrete time-frame to test the first fully electric flight.”

Harbour Air announced that the 560kW magni500 electric motor, along with other components, had been installed onto the aircraft. What now remains is the final battery strings, development and installations of wiring, installation of a battery management unit and power system, as well as preliminary tests for the prototype. The company announced the aircraft conversion is progressing normally, and should enter testing by the end of the year.

Harbour Air and MagniX’s prototype aircraft, currently under construction.

“With the delivery and successful installation of the magniX motor, we are working hard to connect the internal systems in preparation for its first flight,” the company wrote. Harbour Air is strongly dedicated to the full conversion to electric; Greg McDougall, founder and CEO of Harbour Air believes that electric planes will reduce long-term costs for their fleet. “Electric motors are extremely reliable. They don’t have the same number of moving parts as a turbine or piston engine and they have much better durability,” he said in a statement in March.

The goal of the company is to eventually transition over to a fully electric fleet. However, since the new design still needs approval from both Transport Canada and the Federal Aviation Administration, Harbour Air reported that their new aircraft would not fly commercially until 2022 at the earliest. 

Why it’s important: Harbour Air presents an ideal airline for the conversion to a fully-electric fleet, as their flight routes consist of domestic flights in the PNW region. As a result, the current limited operational range of electric motor technology will not have as large of an impact compared to other airlines. The successful conversion of Harbour Air’s fleet will present a valuable opportunity to further develop and refine electric battery technology, which could potentially improve the utility of fully electric eVTOL aircraft.

Source // New Atlas

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A new eVTOL design is in the works by aviation legend Burt Rutan

The 76-year-old aerospace engineer and designer, famous for his work on the Voyager piston and suborbital SpaceShipOne rocket, confirmed that he is currently in the middle of designing a new aircraft based on eVTOL aircraft. However, he revealed little else, aside from the fact: “It’s pretty different from the 170 different outfits that are doing eVTOL now. And that’s all I can say about it.”

The SpaceShipOne, one of Rutan’s most famous designs, an experimental rocket-power aircraft capable of sub-orbital flight

Rutan confirmed the development of an eVTOL aircraft at an event for the 40th anniversary of the first flight of his homebuilt Long EZ aircraft

Having retired from the industry and his position as CEO of Scaled Composites back in 2011, Rutan has still been active in aerospace design, with his two most recent projects both involving electric power. His final project under Scaled Composites, an experimental flying car called the BiPod, featured gas engines which supplied energy to electric generators that drove motors for the aircraft’s propellers. However, the BiPod was only limited to short test flight “hops” before Rutan’s retirement.

Rutan most recently revealed the SkiGull amphibious aircraft, a two-seat hybrid aircraft under private development. The SkiGull features two 8.9 kW electric motors, as well as a single piston aircraft engine, that power the plane for docking and conventional purposes. While the electric motors are mainly intended for use in docking, they are capable of flying the plane for 8 hours without aid from the main engine. 

Rutan designed the Voyager, the first aircraft to fly around the world without any stops or refuels

Why it’s important: While Rutan has not revealed any details yet on his newest project, his previous innovations in aircraft design give reason to believe that his eVTOL design will possess significant variations from the other eVTOLs we have seen so far. Rutan’s involvement could mean the possible reveal of the next “Voyager” of the eVTOL industry, and will nevertheless provide an exciting development towards the industry. 

Source // Aviation Week

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The X-57 Mod II, NASA’s first all-electric experimental aircraft, will soon undergo testing

The aircraft was recently finished and delivered to NASA by their primary contractor, ESAero. With the delivery, NASA intends to start their engineers in testing the X-57 Mod II in ground tests. With success in testing, NASA looks to have the X-57 Mod II lead the discussion in areas such as flight efficiency, zero carbon emissions and noise reduction. 

The X-57 Mod II, a modified Tecnam P2006T

The X-57 Mod II, a modified Tecnam P2006T, features an all electric propulsion system, powered by lithium-ion batteries. The aircraft has a maximum flight speed of 172 mph at an altitude of 8000 ft, and a total weight of about 3000 lb. 

“The X-57 Mod II aircraft delivery to NASA is a significant event, marking the beginning of a new phase in this exciting electric X-plane project,” says X-57 Project Manager Tom Rigney in the press statement. “With the aircraft in our possession, the X-57 team will soon conduct extensive ground testing of the integrated electric propulsion system to ensure the aircraft is airworthy. We plan to rapidly share valuable lessons learned along the way as we progress toward flight testing, helping to inform the growing electric aircraft market.”

The X-57 is a design driver, intended to continue progress on the electric aircraft market, as well as explore the capabilities and restrictions of the aerial mobility market. NASA intends to use the X-57 to define certification standards for the electric aircraft market, in which many vehicles in the aerial mobility market are included. 

Afterwards, there are plans to start on development for the Mod III, which will focus on energy efficiency, another vital factor in the electric aircraft market. 

For more information about specifics of the electric aircraft market, read Matt Bohlsen’s Look at the Emerging Electric Aircraft Sector.

Why it’s important: Success in the aerial mobility sector will precede a huge expansion into a new market for transportation. With many companies already spending resources in getting their vehicles properly certified and exploring regulation standards, NASA intends to try and stay ahead of the curve by developing proper certification and regulatory standards for all electric aircraft to abide by, so that they are not taken off guard in the event that aerial mobility undergoes a massive expansion.

Source // Popular Mechanics

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Teknofest showcased Turkey’s latest technological achievement, the Cezeri flying car

Developed by Cezeri Artificial Intelligence and Robotic Technologies, a team of 50 engineers under the Baykar Group, the Cezeri took the stage for the first time at Teknofest, Turkey’s top aerospace and technology festival. Named after the 12th-century Muslim inventor Ismail al-Jazari (Cezeri in Turkish), the team has been involved in hundreds of projects, including Boeing, Bell, Rolls-Royce, Uber and Amazon due to their impressive unmanned aerial vehicle-based technology.

The Cezeri flying car was on display at Teknofest in Turkey, from Sept. 17-22

While there is not much public information available about the Cezeri flying car, Ozan Yağcı, project manager for Cezeri Artificial Intelligence and Robotic Technologies, announced that the Cezeri was close to undergoing flight tests.”We are not following the trend but determining the trend. We have gathered serious experience in aviation for a while now. Our Bayraktar TB2 UAV flew around 150,000 hours. We have very advanced technologies in terms of both software and hardware,” Yağcı said. 

Some key important factors in the Cezeri that Yağcı noted are battery technology and reliability. “Hybrid stays in the air longer, but there is carbon release. After all, everyone has to go back to electricity, but the truth is that a serious leap is a must in battery technology,” said Yağcı. He heavily emphasizes the importance of reliability in the Cezeri as well: “In aviation, there is a rule: to say that an aircraft is reliable, it must have flown 30,000 hours. Many international brands have made hour-based flights. We have achieved thousands of hours; therefore, we use proven flight algorithms. We own the critical components, the entire flight control system, the sensor and the structural system of this vehicle.”

The Cezeri

The Cezeri is still in the early stages, but Yağcı and the Baykar Group are taking their time to ensure safety and reliability. “Before dozens of these vehicles fly in the air, everything needs to be defined regularly because there are too many details to consider,” said Yağcı, “This is a very difficult job. There is no international standard because everyone is new at this. It will take time to close the gaps in the aviation sector. Both the U.S. and Europe have just begun working on this issue. As we begin our flight tests, we will also work on these civil aviation rules.”

Why it’s important: Countries are continuing to make inquiries and decisions to enter the aerial mobility market. Turkey, Japan, and many other countries are now all looking into supporting their own native aerial mobility vehicles with political and financial backing. The possibility that localized aerial mobility traffic systems are created for each country could present massive implications for global aerial ride-share services such as Uber Elevate.

Sources // Daily Sabah

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Boeing and Safran continue to commit to the electrification of aircraft technology

The two companies recently announced a joint investment in Electric Power Systems. (EPS), a company offering a multitude of lightweight energy storage products for the aerospace industry. Based in Logan, Utah, the privately held aerospace company specializes in advanced energy storage systems comprised of cells, power electronics, controls, software and thermal management systems. The company’s technology supports a host of electric and hybrid electric airplanes such as the Nasa X57, Bye eFlyer and Bell Nexus.

Boeing’s electric passenger air vehicle (PAV) prototype

“Electrification of flight has the potential to fundamentally change how goods, services, and humans connect. We are thrilled to work with visionary companies such as Boeing and Safran to further develop and field advanced energy solutions that can meet real world mission demands,” said Nathan Millecam, EPS chief executive officer.

The Bell Nexus, powered by Safran’s hybrid-electric power system.

Headlining EPS’s Series A funding round, the investment is intended to aid EPS in developing a highly automated industrial base in order to produce aviation-grade energy storage systems. EPS is also working on a means to further improve upon the current battery technologies in aircraft and reduce the costs of battery systems in electric airplanes and eVTOLs.

“EPS’ battery technology meets Boeing’s high standards of safety and can enable significant cost savings for customers,” said Brian Schettler, managing director of Boeing HorizonX Ventures. “This strategic investment accelerates the development of clean, quiet and safe urban air mobility solutions.”

Safran & Bell Helicopter eVTOL Air Taxi

EPS follows Cuberg, an advanced lithium metal battery technology company, as the second advanced battery solutions company in Boeing’s HorizonX Ventures investment portfolio. In addition, Safram Ventures has also invested in OXIS Energy, a UK-based company offering lithium-sulfur technology for high energy density battery systems.

“Safran will collaborate with EPS to offer our customers electric or hybrid-electric propulsion systems with a level of performance that sets us apart from competition,” said Alain Sauret, Safran Electrical & Power President. “This technology cooperation is emblematic of Safran’s strategy in greener propulsion solutions. Safran is already at the cutting edge of this field, and we are proud to accelerate through this investment.”

Why it’s important: Aerospace companies place a continued interest in the further development in battery systems technologies, dedicated to eventually shifting all existing aircraft power systems over to a completely electric battery system. This recent investment in EPS increases the chances that complete electrification of the aerospace market and the aerial mobility industry occurs within the next decade.

Sources // Newswire Today

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