UPS Places Order for BETA Technologies eVTOL, EIS in 2024
UPS, together with its UPS Flight Forward subsidiary, plans to purchase electric Vertical Takeoff and Landing (eVTOL) aircraft from Beta Technologies (BETA) to augment its air service for select small and mid-size markets. These aircraft will take off and land on-property at UPS facilities in a whisper-quiet fashion, reducing time-in-transit, vehicle emissions, and operating cost. The BETA aircraft’s 1,400-pound cargo capacity is...

UPS Places Order for BETA Technologies eVTOL, EIS in 2024

UPS, together with its UPS Flight Forward subsidiary, plans to purchase electric Vertical Takeoff and Landing (eVTOL) aircraft from Beta Technologies (BETA) to augment its air service for select small and mid-size markets. These aircraft will take off and land on-property at UPS facilities in a whisper-quiet fashion, reducing time-in-transit, vehicle emissions, and operating cost.

Visualization of the Beta Alia eVTOL in flight with UPS branding
The BETA aircraft’s 1,400-pound cargo capacity is ideally suited to more quickly and sustainably transport time-sensitive deliveries that would otherwise fly on small fixed-wing aircraft. UPS’s use of the aircraft will benefit healthcare providers, thousands of small and medium-sized businesses, and other companies in smaller communities. With a 250-mile range and cruising speed of up to 170 miles per hour, UPS will be able to plan a series of short routes, or one long route, on a single charge to meet customers’ needs.
“This is all about innovation with a focus on returns for our business, our customers, and the environment,” said UPS Chief Information and Engineering Officer Juan Perez. “These new aircraft will create operational efficiencies in our business, open possibilities for new services, and serve as a foundation for future solutions to reduce the emissions profile of our air and ground operations.”
The aviation logistics industry is now focusing on small aircraft, which UPS already uses to serve many small and medium-sized communities, to develop groundbreaking, sustainable electric-powered solutions. BETA’s aircraft has four fixed vertical lift propellers and one pusher propeller for forward flight. It can charge in an hour or less, and produces zero operational emissions.
“We’re combining simple, elegant design and advanced technology to create a reliable aircraft with zero operational emissions that will revolutionize how cargo moves,” said BETA founder and CEO Kyle Clark. “By utilizing vertical takeoffs and landings, we can turn relatively small spaces at existing UPS facilities into a micro air feeder network without the noise or operating emissions of traditional aircraft.”
UPS has also reserved BETA’s recharging station for a seamless and fully integrated electric aviation system. The BETA charging station helps ensure safe and rapid charging of the aircraft in under one hour, and facilitates a quick turn-around for the loading and unloading of cargo.
The charging station also offers the aircraft’s batteries a second life cycle: after the batteries’ first life cycle in the aircraft concludes, they can be fitted to the charging stations to recharge the aircraft’s onboard batteries as well as UPS’s fleet of electric ground vehicles. UPS currently operates more than 12,000 alternative fuel and advanced technology vehicles, and has announced a commitment to purchase up to 10,000 more EV’s.
BETA’s aircraft are designed to someday operate autonomously as technologies and regulations are established. UPS Flight Forward received the first U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Part 135 Standard air carrier certification to operate a drone airline, and is operating daily revenue-generating flights with drones. The FAA certification also enables UPS Flight Forward to fly payloads of up to 7,500 lbs. either with an operator or autonomously.
Last month, BETA advanced to the next phase of flight testing, completing an interstate flight from its Plattsburgh, NY test facility to its Burlington, Vt. headquarters. In accordance with FAA protocols for experimental aircraft to fly beyond its home airport, BETA had to complete rigorous testing to ensure reliable and predictable behavior of the aircraft. In the same week, the company set a new personal-best in range while also reaching 8,000 feet in altitude.
The first ten BETA aircraft are scheduled to begin arriving in 2024, with an option to purchase up to 150 of the aircraft.
Why it matters: UPS’ investment in BETA aircraft is amongst a growing list of major orders by sustained aircraft operators. As the aviation industry realizes the cost savings potential of eVTOL platforms, many will flock to this alternative for last mile, short haul operations. With an expected EIS of 2024, electric aerial mobility solutions could soon be fueling one of the largest companies in the logistics/air cargo space.
// Source: UPS Press Release
Reliable Robotics and Daedalean Reveal Partnership to Develop Advanced Avionics Systems
Reliable Robotics and Daedalean, a leader in machine learning for safety critical avionics, today revealed their partnership to build advanced navigation and situational awareness (SA) systems for commercial aircraft operations. The proprietary solution enables onboard pilots and remote pilots to make faster, better informed decisions based on the advanced sensors provided by the system. “Reliable Robotics has the most credible system...

Reliable Robotics and Daedalean Reveal Partnership to Develop Advanced Avionics Systems

Reliable Robotics and Daedalean, a leader in machine learning for safety critical avionics, today revealed their partnership to build advanced navigation and situational awareness (SA) systems for commercial aircraft operations. The proprietary solution enables onboard pilots and remote pilots to make faster, better informed decisions based on the advanced sensors provided by the system.
“Reliable Robotics has the most credible system for remote piloted operations with immediate applications for cargo operators,” said Dr. Luuk van Dijk, Founder and CEO of Daedalean. “Our team has developed advanced machine learning that can adapt to the inherent uncertainties in airspace and increasing levels of onboard autonomy. Bringing our core competencies together was a logical next step to jointly develop a solution set that makes aircraft safer.”
During their most recent flight tests last month, Reliable Robotics demonstrated pioneering capabilities of their systems by remotely piloting a Cessna 208 Caravan from a control center in their headquarters over 50 miles away. In 2019, the company made aviation history operating a remotely piloted Cessna 172 Skyhawk over a populated region with no one on board, and subsequently demonstrated fully automated landing of the larger Cessna 208 in 2020 on the third day of flight testing.
Daedalean has developed unrivaled machine learning applications based on comprehensive situational awareness that meet and surpass aviation safety level standards defined by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA). Their work with EASA examining high performance machine learning algorithms for safety-critical applications resulted in the joint publishing of Concepts of Design Assurance for Neural Networks.
“Both companies have been built on the principle that certification is paramount from day one,” said Robert Rose, Co-founder and CEO of Reliable Robotics. “Daedalean is the recognized leader when it comes to developing machine learning systems within the required regulatory framework. This is not a domain where you build something first and then figure out how to certify it later.”
Advanced navigation and SA systems will reduce pilot workload, are an enabling technology for many types of remote piloting, and provide a clear enhancement beyond existing safety margins. Reliable Robotics and Daedalean are committed to deploying this technology in an incremental manner to enable safer flight operations globally.
Why it matters: Reliable Robotics and Daedalean join a crowded space of businesses focused on making existing airplane platforms remote piloted or fully autonomous. Especially noteworthy is the level of systems maturity in Daedalean’s app and the demonstrated flights in C172 and C208 by Reliable Robotics. If successful, the companies could be well positioned for capturing a share of the UAS market space and help develop technologies of the future for aerial mobility.
Source: Reliable Robotics press release
Airspeeder Adds to its Technical and Engineering Leadership Teams
Airspeeder has added to its leadership expertise with four key hires in its technical and engineering teams. Airspeeder is the first purpose built eVTOL for racing with its developmental prototype, the Airspeeder Mk3. Races are expected to begin later this year. Judith Griggs joins as the Global Rights Acquisition and Management Lead and brings 27 years of experience in Formula...

Airspeeder Adds to its Technical and Engineering Leadership Teams

Airspeeder has added to its leadership expertise with four key hires in its technical and engineering teams. Airspeeder is the first purpose built eVTOL for racing with its developmental prototype, the Airspeeder Mk3. Races are expected to begin later this year.
Judith Griggs joins as the Global Rights Acquisition and Management Lead and brings 27 years of experience in Formula 1 and experience as the CEO of the Australian Grand Prix Corporation. She hopes to apply her experiences in F1 to realise the potential of electric flying car racing. “The opportunity to help Airspeeder and Alauda shape the world’s first racing series for flying electric cars is irresistible. Airspeeder has the potential to be the most progressive and exciting new entity in sport. It is racing with global vision and authentic technical purpose and I am excited to work with Matt and the team to deliver on this potential through building exceptional relationships with commercial entities and racing bodies.”
Brett Hill will lead the engineering teams developing the Airspeeder Mk3 and Mk4 as the Technical Project Manager. Hill brings key technical leadership expereience from Boeing where he led engineering teams on the 747-8 and 787 programs.
Matt Rodgers joins as the Head of Composites and has experience from Vertical Aerospace as well as racing experience from Williams, Renault F1 and Formula E.
The final hire adds David Wareing as a Lead Systems Engineer. Wareing brings a wealth of knowledge in racing technology and hyper car vehicle systems at McLaren. His systems-based approach to powertrain development and multi-layer redundant architecture maximizes performance of the Airspeeder prototypes.
Commenting on the new appointments, Airspeeder CEO, Matt Pearson said: “Our vision is to accelerate a mobility revolution through intense and safe sporting competition. We know that true innovation requires the world’s best talent to deliver. Attracting exceptional minds drawn from the very highest levels of motoracing, automotive engineering, aerospace and the rapidly emerging eVTOL space will add to an extraordinarily capable team of senior engineers and technical experts that have just delivered the world’s first fully-functional remotely piloted electric flying racing car.”
Why it matters: Airspeeder’s key appointments in various engineering and developmental roles will position itself to identify the market for the future of flying car racing platforms and bring a racing vehicle to market. Airspeeder is one of the few purpose-built racing vehicles in the aerial mobility space and Airspeeder has an opportunity to create a whole new genre in the racing world.
Rolls-Royce to Power Vertical Aerospace eVTOL
Vertical Aerospace has selected Rolls-Royce to develop electric motors for its prototype. The eVTOL configuration features 4 tilting motors and 4 vertical lift motors. The hybrid configuration allows for speeds up to 200mph and a 120-mile range. According to Rolls-Royce, “Vertical Aerospace is a key collaboration for Rolls-Royce Electrical as it marks our first commercial deal in the UAM market...

Rolls-Royce to Power Vertical Aerospace eVTOL

Vertical Aerospace has selected Rolls-Royce to develop electric motors for its prototype. The eVTOL configuration features 4 tilting motors and 4 vertical lift motors. The hybrid configuration allows for speeds up to 200mph and a 120-mile range.
According to Rolls-Royce, “Vertical Aerospace is a key collaboration for Rolls-Royce Electrical as it marks our first commercial deal in the UAM market and builds on previous agreements to work with partners on demonstrator programs. Rolls-Royce will design the system architecture of the whole electrical propulsion system, the electric power system that includes our latest 100kW-class lift and push electrical propulsion units, the power distribution and the monitoring system that will support operations.”
“We are delighted to collaborate with Vertical Aerospace for the electrical technology that will power their pioneering eVTOL aircraft,” says Rob Watson, director of Rolls-Royce Electrical. “This exciting opportunity demonstrates our ambitions to be a leading supplier of sustainable complete power systems for the new Urban Air Mobility market which has the potential to transform the way that people and freight move from city to city.”
Michael Cervenka, CEO of Vertical Aerospace, says “Rolls-Royce [brings] a hugely experienced team with deep expertise and cutting-edge electrical technologies to power our pioneering eVTOL aircraft.”
Rolls Royce anticipates Vertical Aerospace will certify its prototype in 2024 and has 150 engineers across the globe supporting the program.
Why it matters: The announcement marks the first firm eVTOL contract for Rolls-Royce. The company has been working on developing hybrid-electric eVTOL platforms since at least 2018 and Vertical Aerospace believes they have the technical prowess to deliver on their mission requirements. The partnership is also unique in that many eVTOL OEM’s choose to develop propulsion platforms in-house, so outsourcing the system offloads some R&D risk and could become a competitive advantage when going to certify.
Joby Aviation Releases First Footage of Air Taxi Prototype in Flight
Historically, Joby Aviation had been quietly ramping up production and initial flight tests of its air taxi eVTOL prototype, until today. The company released this week a pair of videos showcasing their prototype during a flight test. Notably, the video highlights the prototype’s ability to take off, transition to horizontal flight, and return for landing. The videos follows the recent...

Joby Aviation Releases First Footage of Air Taxi Prototype in Flight

Historically, Joby Aviation had been quietly ramping up production and initial flight tests of its air taxi eVTOL prototype, until today. The company released this week a pair of videos showcasing their prototype during a flight test. Notably, the video highlights the prototype’s ability to take off, transition to horizontal flight, and return for landing.
The videos follows the recent headlines made by Joby detailing a SPAC merger with Reinvent Technology Partners, valuing Joby at just over $5.7B USD. The merger also paves the path to listing Joby on the New York Stock Exchange.
The prototype, nearly 10 years in the making, is capable of transporting 5 individuals at speeds up to 200 mph a distance of 150 miles using existing battery technology. The eVTOL aircraft uses six large tilting rotors to achieve vertical lift and horizontal winged cruise as demonstrated in the videos.
Perhaps most incredible is the aircraft’s noise footprint, where during liftoff in the video, Joby CEO and Founder JoeBen Bevirt continue on with a normal speaking volume. In the video, Bevirt states the merger with Reinvent Technology Partners will open a path for Joby to becoming a publicly traded company and will give it the resources needed to focus on certification efforts and commercial entry to service by 2024.
“With the Reinvent team at our side, we are one step closer to making this fantastic future real. We can’t wait to welcome you onboard,” stated Bevirt.
Why it matters: The aerial mobility space has seen a recent gold rush of investors, SPAC mergers, and investments by existing automotive and aerospace stakeholders. Joby Aviation is clearly leading among its competitors for its progress in its flight test campaign, fundraising, and certification efforts. The videos are the first of its kind from the company and demonstrate just how quiet the aerial mobility future will be. With plenty of capital and a robust talent base, expect Joby to be entering urban skies in the near term.
Blade Announces Alliance with Vertiport Chicago
BLADE Urban Air Mobility announced today that it entered into an alliance with Vertiport Chicago. In December of 2020, Experience Investment Corp. (NASDAQ: EXPC) agreed to merge with Blade, which will create, following the closing of the merger, the only publicly traded urban air mobility platform in the United States. As part of the alliance, Blade partner Helicopters, Inc. will...

Blade Announces Alliance with Vertiport Chicago

BLADE Urban Air Mobility announced today that it entered into an alliance with Vertiport Chicago. In December of 2020, Experience Investment Corp. (NASDAQ: EXPC) agreed to merge with Blade, which will create, following the closing of the merger, the only publicly traded urban air mobility platform in the United States.
As part of the alliance, Blade partner Helicopters, Inc. will station rotorcraft at the Vertiport to fly Blade passengers on routes which are expected to include flights between the Vertiport and O’Hare Airport, Lake Geneva and other lake communities, as well as Notre Dame, University of Illinois and other universities for sporting events. Vertiport Chicago is conveniently located near the Downtown Loop and is the city’s only vertiport.
Blade will have the exclusive right to offer passenger flights sold by-the-seat at the Vertiport, which will be rebranded “Vertiport Chicago Powered by Blade.” The Company will also have the right to build a branded terminal onsite to accommodate the processing of passengers when flight volume necessitates it to maintain the level of customer experience the Company is known for.
Additionally, Blade expects to service Chicago hospitals for its growing MediMobility business which currently flies more human organ transport missions in the Northeast than any other company.
“Chicago is the third largest city in the United States. It is the right time for us to establish a strategic presence in this important market.”, said Melissa Tomkiel, President of Blade.
Ms. Tomkiel added, “There are a number of passenger routes where we see real potential, and we look forward to enabling local hospitals to take advantage of Blade’s cost-effective MediMobility human organ air transport business.”
The company will also work closely with the Vertiport to ensure that it has the necessary infrastructure to support the transition to next-generation Electric Vertical Aircraft (“EVA”).
“The build out of infrastructure for next generation vertical air travel in Chicago is beginning now. Our alliance with Blade will only serve to accelerate our ability to help create the network of landing zones our city needs to be competitive in the future,” said Daniel Mojica of Vertiport Chicago.
Why it matters: Blade partnering with Vertiport Chicago and MediMobility ushers in another geographical market ripe for disruption by UAM services. Building on existing operations in New York, Los Angeles, and south Florida, Blade brings key expertise of flight operations in urban environments. As these key partnerships are forged and infrastructure built, Blade is well positioned to usher in the next era of transportation.
United Airlines Orders $1B in Archer Vehicles
Archer, the Palo Alto based eVTOL OEM, has announced it has raised an additional $1.1B in capital from a SPAC merger with Atlas Crest Investment Corp. The merger values Archer at just under $4B ($3.8B) and includes investors including a new automotive joint venture, Stellantis, and United Airlines. In addition to the SPAC merger, Archer has announced United Airlines will...

United Airlines Orders $1B in Archer Vehicles

Archer, the Palo Alto based eVTOL OEM, has announced it has raised an additional $1.1B in capital from a SPAC merger with Atlas Crest Investment Corp. The merger values Archer at just under $4B ($3.8B) and includes investors including a new automotive joint venture, Stellantis, and United Airlines.
In addition to the SPAC merger, Archer has announced United Airlines will purchase 200 Archer eVTOL aircraft valued at $1B with purchase options for another 100 units.
“By working with Archer, United is showing the aviation industry that now is the time to embrace cleaner, more efficient modes of transportation,” United CEO Scott Kirby said in a release announcing the Archer SPAC.
Archer has been moving quickly since its founding only three years ago. The company plans to unveil its prototype later this year and certify operations in the United States and deliveries by 2024. The order by United Airlines also marks the first large-scale order by an existing aviation operation. United Airlines sees Archer as a suitable product for meeting its carbon net-zero initiatives and could use aerial mobility as a complementary product offering to its airline network.
“It’s pretty incredible to think how big this market can be,” Archer co-founder and co-CEO Adam Goldstein said. “The partnership with United really gives us a chance to get to market first and really helps us accelerate our timeline.”
The eVTOL market has exploded in recent years, with Deloitte estimating 200 companies worldwide are developing aircraft. Many are for cargo operations and others focus on passenger travel, which is expected to be a $4 billion market by 2025 and $57 billion by 2035, according to Deloitte as reported to a CNBC article on the news.
Why it matters: The SPAC merger and large order by United marks a significant investment in aerial mobility and brings eVTOL dreams closer to reality. By targeting a $3 per passenger-mile cost basis, Archer believes it can disrupt the urban transportation and offer customers like United Airlines a complementary service for transportation in dense areas and to/from large airports. Expect to see more news on Archer as incoming capital accelerates their developmental and certification efforts.
Terrafugia’s Transition Receives FAA Certification
Terrafugia’s Transition prototype has received light sport category (S-LSA) certification from the FAA, marking a major step towards entry to service. The Transition is a 2-seater flyer car which can be operated as a street legal vehicle that transitions to flight. The prototype features a Rotax 912iS 100HP 4 cylinder engine with hybrid-electric platform for drive mode. In flight, Transition...

Terrafugia’s Transition Receives FAA Certification

Terrafugia’s Transition prototype has received light sport category (S-LSA) certification from the FAA, marking a major step towards entry to service. The Transition is a 2-seater flyer car which can be operated as a street legal vehicle that transitions to flight. The prototype features a Rotax 912iS 100HP 4 cylinder engine with hybrid-electric platform for drive mode. In flight, Transition can reach speeds up to 100 mph and a total range of 400 miles.
As of this writing, Terrafugia has prioritized certification of a flight-only model, with certification for road operations coming later this year or next.
“We chose to finalize and certify the flight side first because, in the early days of Terrafugia, some potential customers expressed interest in a flight-only version,” said Fred Bedard, Terrafugia’s manager of business development. “They wanted something that could fit in their garage that contained many of the benefits of Terrafugia bringing automotive-style safety into a general aviation vehicle, but they did not necessarily need the vehicle to be able to drive on public roads. Thus, we reasoned that the ability to produce a few intermediate products along the way to a full fly-and-drive version would also help our business mature. Unsurprisingly, no one expressed interest in a vehicle with wings that could not fly, so finalizing the ground drive side first did not make any sense.”
Transition’s flight only model is capable of folding its wings and can fit in the space of a single-car garage. The vehicle also offers advanced safety features including a parachute and a rigid carbon fiber safety cage.
In late 2017, Geely acquired Terrafugia as it eyed an entry into the aviation space, and the company became a member of the Geely Technology Group which also includes sister companies Volvo Cars, Lotus Cars, and CEVT. Terrafugia’s US headquarters has remained in Woburn, Massachusetts.
Why it matters: The certification of Terrafugia’s Transition model marks a critical program milestone towards making aerial mobility a reality. In receiving FAA LSA category certification, Terrafugia has been able to prove the reliability and safety of its Transition product. The company plans to continue moving towards entry to service with first deliveries next year.
Airflow to Develop Full-Scale Technology Demonstrator
Airflow, an aerial logistics company building next-generation aircraft and services, has announced the development of one of the first full-scale piloted technology demonstrators of an eSTOL (Electric Short Takeoff and Landing) aircraft. Airflow was founded in 2019 by five former Airbus Vahana team members to bring eSTOL capabilities to the middle-mile logistics market. The team is passionate about expanding aviation...

Airflow to Develop Full-Scale Technology Demonstrator

Airflow, an aerial logistics company building next-generation aircraft and services, has announced the development of one of the first full-scale piloted technology demonstrators of an eSTOL (Electric Short Takeoff and Landing) aircraft.
Airflow was founded in 2019 by five former Airbus Vahana team members to bring eSTOL capabilities to the middle-mile logistics market. The team is passionate about expanding aviation benefits and has deep experience in aerospace and technology development. The founding team’s background includes companies like Airbus, Eclipse Aviation, Northrop Grumman, Uber Elevate, Airware, and Scaled Composites.
For the last year, Airflow has been utilizing a sub-scale model for test flights that have helped develop eSTOL flight control technology. The next phase will transform a Cessna 210 into an eSTOL with Distributed Electric Propulsion (DEP). DEP enables operations into and out of very short runways by providing more control at slower airspeeds. Airflow will validate and refine the design parameters used to build the production eSTOL aircraft. “Selecting the Cessna 210 saves us the effort to design and build the pieces that already work, such as the cockpit, fuselage, landing gear, etc. We’ll concentrate on changing the rest to make it an eSTOL aircraft,” stated Peter Kalogiannis, co-founder and CTO. This aircraft represents the first step towards bringing to market aircraft designed for sustainability and reducing carbon emissions.

Airflow intends to target the “middle mile” sector of the logistics market between distribution centers.
The Airflow eSTOL aircraft is expected to go into production in 2025.
Why it matters: Companies targeting electric, fixed-wing platforms offer somewhat of a middle ground between technologies available today and aerial mobility vehicles of the future. With change in propulsive philosophy, eSTOL platforms offer superior operating costs and reliability as compared to similar conventional aircraft. Airflow joins a crowded space of companies interested in retrofitting existing aircraft for electric flight, but its talent pool of engineers from renown aerospace firms offer a possibility to succeed.
Source: Airflow Press Release
EHang Joins European Union’s AMU-LED Project to Demonstrate Urban Air Mobility
EHang has announced its participation in the European Union’s Air Mobility Urban-Large Experimental Demonstration, or AMU-LED. The project is a consortium of 17 leaders in aerial mobility including Airbus and Boeing. Through 2022, EHang will demonstrate its flagship vehicle, the EH216, in three countries: Spain, the United Kingdom, and the Netherlands. AMU-LED is hosted by the European Union’s SESAR (Single...

EHang Joins European Union’s AMU-LED Project to Demonstrate Urban Air Mobility

EHang has announced its participation in the European Union’s Air Mobility Urban-Large Experimental Demonstration, or AMU-LED. The project is a consortium of 17 leaders in aerial mobility including Airbus and Boeing. Through 2022, EHang will demonstrate its flagship vehicle, the EH216, in three countries: Spain, the United Kingdom, and the Netherlands.
AMU-LED is hosted by the European Union’s SESAR (Single European Sky ATM Research) joint venture. The program’s goal is to demonstrate the capabilities of aerial mobility services and the safe integration of a diverse range of aerial vehicles in urban environments with a focus on sustainability. Planned for two years with more than 100 flight hours, the AMU-LED will kick off in January 2021 showcasing various use cases for passenger transport in air taxis, cargo transport, delivery of goods and medical equipment, inspection of infrastructures, police surveillance, and emergency services support.
Participation in AMU-LED will offer EHang increased exposure to potential buyers and partners in the EU in addition to early exposure to EASA and EUROCONTROL. The company hopes to use the opportunity to demonstrate the promise of autonomous air taxis and further inspire the global UAM community to develop new product innovations and enabling legal frameworks.
Why it matters: As the world’s first publicly-listed UAM company to achieve global commercialization of its passenger-grade eVTOL vehicles, EHang has been paying attention to the development of the European market. In 2020, the Company made great regulatory breakthroughs by obtaining flight permits for the EH216 from the civil aviation authorities of Norway and Austria. Participation in AMU-LED will further its relationships with regulatory agencies in the region and demonstrate EHang’s place among the most prominent company’s in the aerial mobility space.
Source: EHang Press Release
GM Unveils eVTOL Concept at CES 2021
GM has announced its entry into the aerial mobility space at this year’s CES conference highlighting the latest in consumer technology. The prototype was unveiled at GM’s Exhibit Zero. GM stated the vehicle will be Cadillac-branded and will feature a four-rotor design offering speeds up to 56mph and powered by a 90-kWh battery. While no significant project timelines nor technical...

GM Unveils eVTOL Concept at CES 2021

GM has announced its entry into the aerial mobility space at this year’s CES conference highlighting the latest in consumer technology. The prototype was unveiled at GM’s Exhibit Zero.
GM stated the vehicle will be Cadillac-branded and will feature a four-rotor design offering speeds up to 56mph and powered by a 90-kWh battery. While no significant project timelines nor technical details were unveiled at this week’s conference, GM joins the likes of Fiat-Chrysler which also announced a partnership this week to develop an eVTOL vehicle.
As EV platforms evolve and become commonplace in society, GM sees eVTOL as the next logical step in revolutionizing transportation. Over the next several years, GM will be investing heavily into its Ultium EV hardware program. Early applications will focus on revolutionizing the automotive industry and providing EV’s for a wide variety of customers’ needs.
The preliminary prototype appears to be 1-passenger configuration, although the company hinted at future models which can hold an additional passenger. Both models would likely be autonomous, not requiring any pilot inputs by passengers. Not much else is known about the prototype or when it can be expected to take flight.
Why it matters: GM joins the ranks of automakers piling into aerial mobility either through direct investments/programs or financial backing of existing eVTOL makers. Advancements in electric vehicle technologies such as unit costs and energy density are disrupting the automotive industry and it will be only a matter of time before these technologies enable commercial aerial mobility services. The continual buy-in for an aerial mobility focused world by bluechip companies will certainly reduce the barriers to making UAM a reality.
Source: CNET.com
USAF Selects Metawave as Part of Agility Prime Initiative
The United States Air Force (USAF) has selected Metawave Corporation to provide next-generation radar solutions for eVTOL aircraft. The contract was awarded as a part of the USAF’s Agility Prime initiative, which seeks to advance the development of enabling technologies required to realize eVTOL platforms by 2023. The initial phase of the study will identify and improve upon the company’s...

USAF Selects Metawave as Part of Agility Prime Initiative

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

SPEKTRA can detect obstacles and road features up to 300m ahead of a vehicle. Metawave seeks to add 3D capability and increased range for eVTOL platforms.
The contract was awarded as a part of the USAF’s Agility Prime initiative, which seeks to advance the development of enabling technologies required to realize eVTOL platforms by 2023. The initial phase of the study will identify and improve upon the company’s current radar offering, SPEKTRA, for aerial operations.
SPEKTRA is a compact analog antenna system which has been successful in the automotive industry in providing a high precision/resolution radar platform out to 330 meters (1082 ft). The platform currently is used for functions including cruise control, lane change assist, and automated emergency braking. Metawave can upgrade SPEKTRA to enable precision eVTOL navigation and obstacle avoidance.
In the first phase, Metawave will parter with Arizona State University to modify SPEKTRA for longer ranges and navigation in three-dimensional space.
“Both the automotive and eVTOL markets require the highest level of precision delivered by SPEKTRA,” Achour said. “For both applications, the ability to reliably distinguish between several objects close together in all weather and light conditions is an important capability for all phases of transport, including flight. The most significant difference is the operational range of the radar.”
Following the completion of Phase One, Metawave will apply for a Phase Two contract to bring operational radar hardware to USAF personnel. The Phase Two effort will include a series of field tests of the proposed design array under a variety of varied situations and environments.
Why it matters: The USAF has already awarded $38M to several contractors building the infrastructure and technologies required to realize the future of aerial mobility. Metawave’s work in developing radar solutions for the automotive industry can be complemented on eVTOL platforms with upgrades in range and 3D capability. The ability to use radar as a means of close-range navigation and obstacle avoidance will also be key in enabling autonomous operations of eVTOL air-vehicles. Expect similar studies and investments to surface as aerial mobility moves closer to reality.
$15M UAS/UAM Testing Facility Opens in Pendleton
The city of Pendleton, OR has completed construction of a $15M USD industrial park dedicated to UAS operators and manufacturers. The park is located on the Eastern Oregon Regional Airport and the city envisions the UAS range being used by stakeholders in the aerial mobility and last-mile delivery industries. The city is nearing completion of two brand new 18,000 sq...

$15M UAS/UAM Testing Facility Opens in Pendleton

The city of Pendleton, OR has completed construction of a $15M USD industrial park dedicated to UAS operators and manufacturers. The park is located on the Eastern Oregon Regional Airport and the city envisions the UAS range being used by stakeholders in the aerial mobility and last-mile delivery industries.

Airbus’ Vahana eVTOL prototype completes a test flight at the Pendleton UAS Range earlier this year.
The city is nearing completion of two brand new 18,000 sq ft. hangars which will be ready in April 2021 for use on the range. The hangars are in addition to those purpose built for Airbus’ Vahana Project which has been operating at the airport for the past 2.5 years.
Per the park’s website, “The Pendleton UAS Range (PUR) is able to facilitate a wide variety of testing needs through logistical coordination. PUR will work with you and your team to ensure that your Testing needs such as: Procedures Development, Engineering, Integration, Modeling and Simulation requirements are met though our organic capabilities and strategic relationships.”
For OEM’s in the aerial mobility space, the UAS range at Pendleton will offer the infrastructure needed to conduct a complete developmental and certification flight test campaign. The range also has the ability to supply chase aircraft for extended range operation as well as a Mobile Operations Center.
Moreover, the airport is strategically located to maximize operational efficiency for OEM’s. In the high desert of Oregon, the area regularly experiences VFR conditions and has plenty of open airspace to conduct flight tests without interference from local traffic.
Why it matters: The opening of the Pendleton UAS Range signals a significant investment by the city for the aerial mobility industry. The city has built a world class facility with amenities to conduct a complete flight test campaign. OEM’s now have a plug and play solution when it comes to testing their prototypes in a safe and professional environment. Expect to see more neighbors join Airbus as the park takes on more tenants.
Source // Pendleton UAS Range website
Lilium Partners with Lufthansa Aviation Training for Pilot Recruitment for Lilium Jet
Lilium, a German-based air taxi developer and leader in aerial mobility and eVTOL technologies, has selected Lufthansa Aviation Training to partner on the development of a pilot sourcing and training program for its Lilium Jet. With the expected advent of commercially available eVTOL platform services over the next few years, pilots will need to become familiar with the new mode...

Lilium Partners with Lufthansa Aviation Training for Pilot Recruitment for Lilium Jet

Lilium, a German-based air taxi developer and leader in aerial mobility and eVTOL technologies, has selected Lufthansa Aviation Training to partner on the development of a pilot sourcing and training program for its Lilium Jet.
With the expected advent of commercially available eVTOL platform services over the next few years, pilots will need to become familiar with the new mode of transportation and achieve type ratings as required by regulatory agencies, such as the EASA and FAA. The first phase of the training program will award pilots the type rating required to fly the Lilium Jet. Notably, the program will also employ the use of mixed and virtual reality technologies, paving the way for pilot training worldwide.
Commenting on the partnership, Remo Gerber, Chief Operating Officer, Lilium said: “Opening a new professional segment for pilots of the future is a challenge we have long been excited to undertake and Lufthansa Aviation Training is the perfect partner. Their insights, experience and dedication to forward-thinking training concepts ensure that our pilots will be selected and trained to the highest caliber, an industry standard which we will establish through this partnership.”
Lufthansa Aviation Training will provide expertise into the training and development of competencies necessary to fulfill the need for a new field of piloting, complementing Lilium’s own expertise in eVTOLs and the regional air mobility service it is building. The training program will be the first of its kind globally and a significant milestone on Lilium’s road to launch. Lufthansa Aviation Training has almost 200 training devices within its training fleet, including aircraft for pilot training, flight simulators of all common aircraft types for pilot training and emergency and service mock-ups for the training of flight attendants.

Lufthansa Aviation Training already provides services to produce commercial pilots across Europe and looks to add eVTOL type ratings in the future.
Discussing the partnership further, Tiziana Heilig, Managing Director and CFO, LAT said: “We are thrilled to be working with Lilium to create a training setup, which is unlike any seen before. As one of the leaders in this vibrant sector, we look forward to this cooperation to share each other’s wealth of knowledge to provide an unparalleled aviation training experience.”
Lilium has stated it is developing this program with input from EASA and the FAA. This will ensure the training program will produce pilots capable of operating the Lilium jet in two key global markets necessary to become a commercial success.
Why it matters: Lilium has created a robust solution to aerial mobility with its design and prototype building of the Lilium Jet. The company has also secured over $375M in funding, in addition to key industry and regulatory partnerships. This latest addition will pave the way to Lilium finding commercial success in this new industry as it tackles the hurdle of producing pilots to operate their prototype.
Source: Lilium Press Release
Joby Aviation in Talks to Purchase Uber Elevate
Multiple sources are reporting the California-based eVTOL startup, Joby Aviation, is negotiating a potential buyout for Uber’s air taxi unit, Uber Elevate. This breaking news would significantly alter the landscape of aerial mobility as Uber, one of the early influencers in the space looks to sell off its stake. Uber has been well known for its white papers, market surveys,...

Joby Aviation in Talks to Purchase Uber Elevate

Multiple sources are reporting the California-based eVTOL startup, Joby Aviation, is negotiating a potential buyout for Uber’s air taxi unit, Uber Elevate. This breaking news would significantly alter the landscape of aerial mobility as Uber, one of the early influencers in the space looks to sell off its stake.
Uber has been well known for its white papers, market surveys, and partnerships with academic institutions and eVTOL manufacturers to begin planning its entry in the aerial mobility industry across a wide variety of fields such as: infrastructure, certification, air traffic control, and product development. The company also hosts the annual Elevate Summit which has forged lasting partnerships and buzz around the industry.
The company is likely selling off Uber Elevate in light of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. Uber reported nearly a $3B USD loss in Q2 of 2020 and Uber CEO, Dara Khosrowshahiwill, announced the company will be positioning itself to focus on profitability. Uber reported to Axios earlier this year of interest in offloading its Elevate unit, and recently Joby Aviation has been reported as the frontrunner for a potential deal.
Based in Santa Cruz, Joby Aviation has previously formed partnerships with Uber and has raised over $700M in investments from bluechip companies including Toyota, Intel, and JetBlue.
Spokespersons from both Uber and Joby have not provided public comments on the potential deal.
Why it matters: Joby’s potential acquisition of Uber Elevate would mark a significant turning point in the aerial mobility space. Throughout most of aerial mobility’s growth, Uber has been a vocal proponent of eVTOL technology. The company has advocated for critical industry partnerships, development of infrastructure, and the regulatory buy-in necessary in order to support the new industry. Joby Aviation has been quiet in recent media, but it is well-known that the company is quickly readying for commercial production. Additionally, Joby Aviation has had great success in attracting top-tier investors as well as a successful Series C round of funding. Expect to see more news as details of this acquisition become public.
Source // Axios
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