Category: Vehicles/Manufactures
The Cyclocopter: Another Way to Approach UAM
Russia’s Advanced Research Foundation (FPI) is taking another angle at approaching urban air mobility. The FPI cyclocopter, a technical design thought up by the FPI, is a hybrid eVTOL vehicle driven by rotating, cylindrical wings, with each individual wing composed of many small paddles, or ‘winglets’. Utilizing this design, the cyclocopter can quickly change its direction of thrust by altering...

The Cyclocopter: Another Way to Approach UAM

Russia’s Advanced Research Foundation (FPI) is taking another angle at approaching urban air mobility.

The D-Dalus, a conceptual cyclocopter created by IAT21, an Austrian startup company.
The FPI cyclocopter, a technical design thought up by the FPI, is a hybrid eVTOL vehicle driven by rotating, cylindrical wings, with each individual wing composed of many small paddles, or ‘winglets’. Utilizing this design, the cyclocopter can quickly change its direction of thrust by altering the angle of the paddles. Combining the elements of vertical takeoff and landing with conventional forward flight, the cyclocopter is an impressive design based off of the FPI’s conclusion that the their wing design will exhibit the best aerodynamic performance for an airborne vehicle. With better maneuverability than helicopters, a better ability to handle gusts, and significantly lower noise emissions, theoretically, cyclocopters are superior to rotorcraft.
However, the main issue with ‘cycloidal propulsion’ is the scalability of the design. Larger rotor blades like a conventional helicopter blade generate lift through flow over the airfoil. Smaller rotor blades rely on generating lift through utilizing unsteady aerodynamics and leading-edge vortices, like an insect. The latter method is what cyclocopters use, with teams like Professor Moble Benedict’s at Texas A&M’s Advanced Vertical Flight Laboratory successfully building the smallest cyclocopter ever (29 grams). But trying to go larger in size reduces the efficiency of generating lift.

“There is a large rotating structure which has to be carefully designed to be strong enough to handle the large centrifugal loads, and light enough to be used on a flying vehicle,” says aerospace professor Moble Benedict of Texas A&M.
Still, FPI project manager Jan Chibisov is adamant that the cyclocopter is fundamentally superior to helicopters or multicopters.“…[The] cyclocopter is superior in a number of key parameters to multicopters,” Chibisov says. “In particular, with the same dimensions and take-off mass, the cyclocopter requires a much smaller engine power and almost twice the mass of the payload.”

“I personally have been in three helicopter crashes of varying grades during my military career. The cyclo-gyro aircraft design that we had could glide on engine failure. None of the helicopters I crashed in seemed to want to do that.” says David Willis, former CEO of IAT21, most notable for the cyclocopter D-Dalus
In fact, the FPI reports to have finished separately building and testing the power plant, control system, and other components for their cyclocopter, and are now in the process of finishing their final design. Unmanned flight tests are scheduled for 2020 and manned test flights will follow afterwards.
Why it’s important: If successfully built, a car-sized cyclocopter could be more maneuverable, efficient, stable, and environmentally friendlier than most of the UAM vehicle designs and prototypes today. A small, agile flying machine easily able to maneuver in an urban environment with low emissions and noise levels and lower power requirements has obvious implications for the UAM industry, and urban transportation as a whole.
Sources // Popular Mechanics
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AutoFlightX Reveals Their Prototype eVTOL at AERO 2019
One of the most exciting reveals at the AERO Friedrichshafen 2019 in Friedrichshafen, Germany came from the German startup AutoFlightX, who showed off the V600, an eVTOL prototype designed for cargo and passengers. The V600, reminiscent of a futuristic P-38, was announced to be all-electric; a technical prototype two-seater intended to qualify under EASA’s new 600-kg threshold for ultralights, as...

AutoFlightX Reveals Their Prototype eVTOL at AERO 2019

One of the most exciting reveals at the AERO Friedrichshafen 2019 in Friedrichshafen, Germany came from the German startup AutoFlightX, who showed off the V600, an eVTOL prototype designed for cargo and passengers.

The V600, AutoFlightX’s prototype eVTOL
The V600, reminiscent of a futuristic P-38, was announced to be all-electric; a technical prototype two-seater intended to qualify under EASA’s new 600-kg threshold for ultralights, as well as to show off AutoFlightX’s work. It possesses six electric motors powering six propellers for vertical lift, with a seventh push-propeller for forward flight. The V600 has separate hover and wing flight propulsion systems, intended to increase the overall efficiency and reliability of the machine.

The company refers to the V600 as an ideal tool for development and as a demonstrator
The V600 was finished a few weeks ago, and AutoFlightX control systems modeling and simulation specialist Michael Krenmayr said that they will be testing it for conventional flight in the upcoming weeks, followed by testing for vertical lift and hover testing. By working out the conceptual design through these rigorous tests, AutoFlightX plan to take their results and apply any fixes needed towards their final product — not yet revealed — while simultaneously garnering interest and buzz around the public.

The company refers to the V600 as an ideal tool for development and as a demonstrator
While not too many details about the final vehicle have been released, Krenmayr did confirm that it will be capable of carrying three to five passengers, and involve some differences from the V600, like propeller placement, in order to meet EASA certification requirements.
Ultimately, AutoFlightX plans to have their final product finished in time for 2023, where it will be ready for cargo flight. AutoFlightX also plans on releasing a manned air-taxi version of their final vehicle a few years after 2023.

AutoFlightX plans to use the later series product – which should have seats for three to five people – fully automatic autonomous flights
Why it’s important: The AERO Friedrichshafen 2019 provides an exciting opportunity to get a glimpse at the upcoming technological innovations in the UAM and aviation industry. With AutoFlightX’s V600, it shows that more and more companies in the industry are going through with the idea of urban air transportation with alternative energy means. The V600 itself will be an interesting comparison to AutoFlightX’s final product in terms of the design and aesthetic changes it will undergo to meet certification requirements and pre-existing regulations, a valuable benchmark for other companies in the UAM industry to take note of.
Sources // AutoFlightX, AeroBuzz
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Honeywell to Equip Volocopter with Autonomous Landing Systems
Honeywell is a Fortune 100 technology company with products that reach every corner of people’s everyday lives. The company has an “extensive aviation hardware and software product portfolio, including advanced navigation technologies and fly-by-wire flight controls tailored for the unique needs of UAM aircraft.” Now, Honeywell plans to have their technology aboard the Volocopter, an 18-propellor electric VTOL aircraft based...

Honeywell to Equip Volocopter with Autonomous Landing Systems

Honeywell is a Fortune 100 technology company with products that reach every corner of people’s everyday lives. The company has an “extensive aviation hardware and software product portfolio, including advanced navigation technologies and fly-by-wire flight controls tailored for the unique needs of UAM aircraft.” Now, Honeywell plans to have their technology aboard the Volocopter, an 18-propellor electric VTOL aircraft based in Bruchsal, Germany.
The Volocopter is regarded as one of the safest and most fully-developed eVTOL aircraft in the skies today – it features a two-passenger configuration, a max range of 27 km, and a max velocity of 100 km/h. It has already caught the eyes of many potential customers, especially during an earlier flight demonstration in Dubai:
The Volocopter is currently undergoing various tests in hope of certification by Europe’s regulatory agency, EASA. Whereas many UAM companies are looking abroad for certification in order to more rapidly bridge the gap between prototyping and commercial production, Volocopter has opted to stay local. This comes as a byproduct of the company striving to deliver a new breed of cleaner, safer and smarter air vehicles.

To see more about the technical specifications of the Volocopter 2X, visit the Hangar.
To do this, Volocopter has partnered with Honeywell to implement and test Honeywell’s autonomous sensing and flight technologies, including inertial measurement units, attitude heading reference solutions, and potentially other urban air mobility (UAM) innovations. The testing will include various sensor-based navigation and landing systems, with the goal of flying a “Honeywell inertial measurement-based attitude reference system solution in one of our Volocopters in 2019”, according to Volocopter CTO, Jan Hendrik Boelens.

Fraport recently announced it is partnering with Volocopter for flying taxi infrastructure. Volocopter also plans to initiate demonstrator flights in Singapore later this year.
The president of Electronic Solutions at Honeywell Aerospace, Carl Esposito, recently expressed his excitement regarding the partnership: “Alongside Volocopter, we will be building on our fundamental expertise of navigation sensor solutions plus other landing expertise, moving us closer to the reality of urban air mobility. This collaboration has allowed us to explore the challenges, opportunities and safe integration of technologies and aircraft in civil airspace.”
Why it’s important: Urban air mobility solutions will provide urban areas with a faster and more efficient way of moving people around, simultaneously increasing the safety of transportation and relieving traffic congestion. By adopting automated navigation and landing systems made by Honeywell, Volocopter is advancing the development of autonomous, on-demand air mobility across the world. These solutions will also enable faster turnaround times and the integration of autonomous navigation in civil airspace.
Find the latest news on Volocopter here.
– This information was first published in a press release by Honeywell –
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Terrafugia Announces Chao Jing as New Global CEO
Terrafugia, the company that’s been developing the Transition flying car since 2006, has recently hired Chao Jing, a business leader with extensive experience working in international companies in the U.S., China, Philippines, Singapore, Belgium and Japan. Terrafugia was founded by a group of MIT students in 2006, then acquired by Chinese firm Geely Holding Group in 2017. While Terrafugia is...

Terrafugia Announces Chao Jing as New Global CEO

Terrafugia, the company that’s been developing the Transition flying car since 2006, has recently hired Chao Jing, a business leader with extensive experience working in international companies in the U.S., China, Philippines, Singapore, Belgium and Japan.

The Terrafugia Transition Experimental Aircraft
Terrafugia was founded by a group of MIT students in 2006, then acquired by Chinese firm Geely Holding Group in 2017. While Terrafugia is still headquartered in the U.S, the company has slowly been moving its resources to China, reducing its U.S staff by about two-thirds. Soon after the 2017 acquisition, Terrafugia released its concept for the TF-2 modular aircraft, which is built for larger capacity and longer distance transportation. Terrafugia still expects a commercial release of the Transition in 2019.

The Terrafugia TF-2 modular concept. Other roadable modular concepts include the Airbus Pop.UP concept and the Samad Aerospace HUMA.
The hiring of Mr. Jing comes soon after the departure of MIT co-founder Carl Dietrich, who spent 13 years growing Terrafugia. Said Dietrich:
Terrafugia spent most of those 13 years developing and certifying the Transition, which is now FAA certified as a light sport aircraft. An option to reserve the aircraft is still available on the site, and the company has stayed consistent with its planned 2019 production release.
However, sections of the company’s site referring to the Terrafugia TF-X, Terrafugia’s planned eVTOL, have been minimized. The TF-X concept is still included on the site, but housed under the ‘Concept Vehicles’ portion of the site rather than having its own section, possibly alluding to the fact that Terrafugia might be shifting its focus to the larger shared TF-2 Vehicle.
Interestingly, the TF-X was one of the very few concept eVTOL vehicles that had ‘roadability’ as well as vertical take-off and landing and fixed-wing flight:

The Terrafugia TF-X Concept Vehicle, which could drive on the road, take off and land vertically, and fly with a fixed-wing. One other planned vehicle with this design is the Aeromobil 5.0 VTOL.
Why it’s important: With the departure of co-founder Carl Dietrich, it’s starting to appear that Terrafugia will shift its focus from the recreational Transition aircraft to the larger TF-2 modular aircraft. The TF-2 is designed to be shared as part of a large network of modular vehicles rather than privately owned, possibly showing that Terrafugia is aimed at developing an entire air and ground transportation system.
Sources // Terrafugia, Aopa
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Dufour Aerospace Presents Tiltwing UAV Control Tech
In a recent article published by Dufour Aerospace, video footage was released on the performance of its tilt-wing technology last week, validating its design efforts using a systematic engineering approach to confirm that its proposed solution for transition from horizontal to accelerated forward flight was feasible. This technology is ultimately planned to be incorporated on the aEro family of vehicles....

Dufour Aerospace Presents Tiltwing UAV Control Tech

In a recent article published by Dufour Aerospace, video footage was released on the performance of its tilt-wing technology last week, validating its design efforts using a systematic engineering approach to confirm that its proposed solution for transition from horizontal to accelerated forward flight was feasible. This technology is ultimately planned to be incorporated on the aEro family of vehicles.

Acceleration and angle of Incidence Variation, along with acceleration, relative to deflection angle. Source // DuFour & ETH Autonomous Systems Lab
The testing was conducted on a subscale model aircraft that roughly resembles the geometry of the aEro proposed fleet of vehicles, and much of the data analysis focused on variations of tilt angle of the wing and attached propulsors [theta] and the forward speed of the aircraft. David Rohr of the ETH Autonomous Systems Lab worked extensively on creating trim maps that define the variations in trim settings of the wing (which are non-linear) as the aircraft flies in the transitory phase between hovering and accelerated forward flight.
The testing analyzed six cases, depicted in the following video:
- Forward and back transition
- Vertical Velocity Cruise Control
- Slow-Forward Transition
- Back-Transition
- Maneuvering in Transition
- Maneuvering in Cruise
- Cruise-Controlled Transitioning
- Transitioning, in-Air Video
- Cruise-Controlled Short Landing
This testing provides Dufour with valuable data that may be used as a benchmark for future flight testing on horizontal to forward flight transitions. While not the first instance of horizontal to forward flight, Dufour’s efforts are unique in that they’re one of the first publicly-available studies on this transition. In other areas of aerospace, such as defense, the V-22 Osprey in many ways pioneered this transitory flight regime.
Why it’s important: Dufour Aerospace’s advance of tilt-wing technology and release of test results confirms the companies’ progress toward a bringing an eVTOL to market. Building on the successful test of the aEro 1 aerobatic aircraft, Dufour (in conjunction with the ETH Autonomous Systems Lab) are continuing their progress in technological advances for both UAV and UAM technology.
Read the full release from Dufour here.
Read David Rohr’s study on Tilt-wing aircraft control here.
MMCUAV Reveals their Hybrid UAV, the Griflion M8
MMCUAV recently released the Griflion M8, a multi-rotor, fixed-wing, VTOL UAV. Designed for high precision surveying, mapping or patrol missions, the Griflion is outfitted with a versatile interface that can connect with multiple types of cameras, depending on the user’s needs, such as the orthographic camera, the oblique camera, and electro-optical pod. The Griflion’s main feature is an autopilot function...

MMCUAV Reveals their Hybrid UAV, the Griflion M8

MMCUAV recently released the Griflion M8, a multi-rotor, fixed-wing, VTOL UAV.

The Griflion M8
Designed for high precision surveying, mapping or patrol missions, the Griflion is outfitted with a versatile interface that can connect with multiple types of cameras, depending on the user’s needs, such as the orthographic camera, the oblique camera, and electro-optical pod. The Griflion’s main feature is an autopilot function that allows it to perform all of its tasks, from takeoff to landing, without any need for a pilot, which means it is able to autonomously switch from VTOL mode to fixed-wing mode.

The Griflion M8 (side view)
For this purpose, the Griflion is also equipped with two different sets of batteries for the different flight modes, and supports RTK precision takeoff and landing and PPK mode as well. With this method, the drone’s flight time and efficiency are both drastically increased, which may be cause for translation of the drone’s design over to the UAM industry, which could be helped by the efficiency and flight time improvements that the Griflion offers.

The Griflion M8 (aerial view)
The Griflion weighs in at a little over 10 lb., and the UAV body is composed of carbon fiber and composite materials to ensure structural stability throughout the flight. Capable of flying for a max flight time of just over two hours, the Griflion can fly at speeds up to 80 mph, with an effective cruising speed of 55 mph, and can fly up to 16,400 ft. in altitude.

The Griflion M8 (front view)
Why it’s important: The Griflion’s hybrid-like ability to switch from VTOL to fixed-wing is an interesting aspect of the drone that may translate into the UAM industry. The autopilot feature, specifically the option to automate takeoff and landing while additionally switching flight modes, may have implications for battery life, sound levels, and overall efficiency in UAM drones. While MMCUAV is firmly within the UAV industry for the foreseeable future, their technological developments in drone software and flight hardware may have strong implications for the UAM industry.
Sources // MMCUAV, sUAS News
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Samad Aerospace Unveils its Home and Urban Mobility Aircraft (HUMA) Concept
Samad Aerospace, having already announced its partnership with Strand Aerospace, has also recently announced its concept for the Samad HUMA-a smaller modular transportation method that utilizes the same technology Samad is developing for its larger eVTOL. Samad Aerospace is a startup in the UK focusing on developing a business-class style eVTOL called the Starling Jet. More than just developing a jet, Samad...

Samad Aerospace Unveils its Home and Urban Mobility Aircraft (HUMA) Concept

Samad Aerospace, having already announced its partnership with Strand Aerospace, has also recently announced its concept for the Samad HUMA-a smaller modular transportation method that utilizes the same technology Samad is developing for its larger eVTOL.
Samad Aerospace is a startup in the UK focusing on developing a business-class style eVTOL called the Starling Jet. More than just developing a jet, Samad considers itself a pioneer in aerodynamics, aircraft design, and propulsion systems, with the goal of changing how both goods and people move around the world. Samad envisions a seven-year development plan in which it begins commercialization of its UAV aircraft in 2019, and moves on to launch the e-Starling passenger eVTOL in 2022.

The Samad Starling Jet, the electric version of which will be commercialized in 2022.
Samad’s latest advent, the Home and Urban Mobility Aircraft (HUMA) system, shows the Samad is not just thinking about the Starling Jet, but about Urban Air Mobility as a whole. The HUMA system, according to Samad CEO Seyed Mohseni, is a two-seater 2-in-1 combo of all-electric VTOL aircraft and car. Said Mohseni: “Samad Aerospace has been watching the development of urban air mobility closely. We believe that the technology we’re developing will be applicable in many ways to the market as it evolves from today’s best practices.” With HUMA, Samad intends to design an aircraft that “addresses all of the key criteria tailored to the urban mobility market: minimum acquisition and operating costs, as well as improved efficiency and ease in air travel.” Notably, the HUMA system resembles the design of the Airbus Pop.UP modular transport system:

Airbus’s Pop.UP modular transport system, the design of which is similar to the Samad HUMA system.
Samad’s announcement of HUMA came at the Langkawi International Maritime and Aerospace Exhibition (LIMA19′) late this March in Malaysia.
Why it’s important: While not much is yet known about the HUMA system, Samad’s release of the concept shows the breadth to which Samad Aerospace aspires. While it’s going full throttle on the Starling Jet, the company also seems to be focusing on urban air mobility as a whole, considering how it’s technology can best be used within the UAM space.
The EHang 216 Takes Flight in Vienna
On April 4th, the EHang 216 made its first successful public test flight in the Generali Arena in Vienna, Austria. The flight lasted only a few minutes, and the drone was restricted to an altitude of about 30 ft. inside the stadium, as the drone was not yet certified to fly in Austrian airspace. However, the Chinese firm EHang remained...

The EHang 216 Takes Flight in Vienna

On April 4th, the EHang 216 made its first successful public test flight in the Generali Arena in Vienna, Austria. The flight lasted only a few minutes, and the drone was restricted to an altitude of about 30 ft. inside the stadium, as the drone was not yet certified to fly in Austrian airspace. However, the Chinese firm EHang remained firmly confident in the EHang 216’s capabilities.

FACC CEO Robert Machtlinger told reporters that the project had already carried out 7,000 flying hours, 2,000 of which have been manned.
The EHang 216 is completely autonomous, and can fly at up to 80 mph for nearly half an hour. Equipped with two passenger seats, it can carry a total load of up to 570 lb. The 750 lb. drone features 8 sets of rotors, for a total of 16, which currently emit a noise level of 90 decibels, possibly uncomfortable for passengers and onlookers. The firm expresses future intentions to bring down the noise level to at least 75 decibels. A 17 kilowatt battery allows the EHang 216 to travel at consumption levels “comparable to an electric car in an urban environment.”

“Our biggest challenge is not technology, it’s not regulation, it’s people’s mentality,” says EHang’s chief marketing officer Derrick Xiong
EHang, currently partnered with FACC, an Austrian aerospace company owned by Chinese aerospace group AVIC, expresses plans to begin mass-production of the drone soon, with a goal of 300 drones by mid-2021. So far, the company reported that they have already received thousands of offers, with the highest interest coming from China, as well as companies aiming to utilize short-haul services for passengers, industrial equipment and urgent medical deliveries.

“Technically… urban mobility, flying without a pilot is possible, it’s not a dream, it’s existing. What is hindering us to go into larger volumes is regulation,” said FACC Chief Executive Officer Robert Machtlinger.
EHang says it eventually hopes to use to the drone to carry passengers at low altitude over distances of up to 35 kilometers but for now still needs to be cleared for use by aviation authorities. However, both EHang and Austria remain optimistic. Austrian Transport Minister Norbert Hofer, who was present at Thursday’s demonstration, said that “I hope that Austria will be the place where thousands of these drones, of these air taxis will be built and I hope that very soon we will see a lot of these air taxis in the air.”

The EHang model is expected to cost around £170,000 but would not be available for private buyers.
Why it’s important: EHang’s competitors are also working toward offering autonomous flying cars early in the next decade, ranging from aerospace giant Airbus to Uber and AeroMobil. The race to feature the first legally regulated passenger drone has massive implications for who will stand at the forefront of the UAM industry, and what kind of options future consumers will have in regards to urban air transportation. If successfully enacted, the regulations for the EHang 216 could be set the framework for how UAM is regulated across the world in the future.
Sources // EHang, Reuters
Samad to Fly Business eVTOL Jets with Strand Aerospace’s Help
“Starling Jet is a Vertical Take-Off and Landing (VTOL) hybrid-electric propulsion aircraft for civil aviation use. It is an embodiment of our dream at SAMAD Aerospace — to revolutionise the way humans and goods fly around the globe. It will change the way you see the world and how you view your opportunities. What once seemed impossible will become routine.” – Samad Aerospace Samad has placed...

Samad to Fly Business eVTOL Jets with Strand Aerospace’s Help

“Starling Jet is a Vertical Take-Off and Landing (VTOL) hybrid-electric propulsion aircraft for civil aviation use. It is an embodiment of our dream at SAMAD Aerospace — to revolutionise the way humans and goods fly around the globe. It will change the way you see the world and how you view your opportunities. What once seemed impossible will become routine.” – Samad Aerospace
Samad has placed on emphasis on tackling many of the same transportation deficiencies other UAM companies are trying to solve. Some of the key features of their Starling aircraft fleet are electric propulsion for low carbon dioxide emissions, door-to-door travel contributing to 60% time savings, seamless refueling stations, and an exceptional in-flight experience. To achieve this, Samad has initiated an exclusive collaboration with Strand Aerospace Malaysia (SAM), a company specializing in the design, engineering, and certification of aircraft.

Photo // Samad Aerospace
The eStarling will be powered by four strategically places electric fans, and one auxiliary engine on the tail for extended range. One pair of the fans is seamlessly integrated in the blended wing body (BWB) of the aircraft and is used exclusively for vertical thrust. The other pair is located on the trailing edges of the aircraft, and pivot 90 degrees to provide thrust in both the vertical and horizontal flight phases.
While the drive generator – which provides power to the fans and charges the batteries – aboard e-Starling is expected to be fully electric by 2030, Samad is currently in talks with both Pratt and Whitney Canada and Honeywell in order to supply the gas turbine generators. The company expects that, as battery technology improves in the coming years, the e-Starling will phase out the use of the gas generators in favor of electric-powered.

Samad recently flew a 20% scale model vehicle in order to complete hover and transition tests, and many more test flights are planned for the near future. As seen in the timeline of major milestones, Samad plans to have a manned test flight of a full-scale prototype some time this year.
Additionally, for a visual representation of the capabilities and technical specifications of the e-Starling, check out the video below.
The media and information on the Starling fleet were provided by Samad Aerospace’s website. Click here to visit and find out more about the company and its mission.
Why its important: The collaboration with Strand Aerospace is projected to help develop the UAM industry in Malaysia. Together, the two companies are working toward major milestones in the manufacturing and testing of full-scale prototype eVTOL jets. Expect to see more from Samad Aerospace and the Starling fleet in the near future.
Boeing Go-Fly Phase II Winners Announced
GoFly is an international competition to design, build, and fly a personal flying device. Grand Sponsor Boeing and Corporate Sponsor Pratt and Whitney have been able to reach a group of highly qualified competitors from across the globe. Thus far in the competition, 3,500 teams from 101 different countries have entered a design to be considered. Ten of those teams...

Boeing Go-Fly Phase II Winners Announced

GoFly is an international competition to design, build, and fly a personal flying device.
Grand Sponsor Boeing and Corporate Sponsor Pratt and Whitney have been able to reach a group of highly qualified competitors from across the globe. Thus far in the competition, 3,500 teams from 101 different countries have entered a design to be considered. Ten of those teams were announced as the Phase I winners earlier in 2018, and the designs thoroughly impressed judges with their ingenuity and technical prowess.
GoFly CEO Gwen Lighter explained that “just like there there are many different types of cars available to drive, so too the diversity that we are seeing in the many different types of personal flying solutions that have been submitted will allow the public to be able to choose the best method for whatever they are doing at that particular moment. In that sense, it’s very exciting to see all the different permutations.” While the majority of the UAM industry is focused on multi-passenger transport, the mission for GoFly competitors is to transport just a single person.
Last week, GoFly announced the five winners of Phase II of the competition, each taking home $50,000. Three of the winning teams were from the USA, one from the Netherlands, and one from Russia and Latvia. Check out the vehicles each team designed below:

The FlyKart2 is an “electric, single-seat, VTOL aircraft designed to be inexpensive to build, own, and operate.”

“The Aria is a high-TRL compact rotorcraft designed to minimize noise and maximize efficiency, safety, reliability, and flight experience.”

“The SI is a canard-wing configuration around a person in motorcycle-like orientation powered by two electric motors with ducted rotors.”

“The Airboard 2.0 is a multicopter for human flight.”

“The ERA Aviabike is a tilt-rotor aerial vehicle type that combines the VTOL capabilities of a helicopter with the range and speed of fixed-wing aircraft. ERA Aviabike is a flying bike.”
Phase II of the GoFly competition was the first time physical prototypes were unveiled for each team, and Phase III will require full-scale flying machines. However, phase III is not limited to just the five winners of phase II. Any team, regardless of having won a previous phase, or even entered in a previous round, can still register in the final fly-off competition. The winner will take home a grand prize of $1 million.
Why its important: GoFly has created an arena for some of the brightest aerospace minds to solve a complex transportation problem. The aerospace industry has previously seen these design-build-fly style competitions as a successful platform for crowdsourcing innovative ideas and to jumpstart development at a commercial level. It is a great way for engineers and industry professionals to collaborate and advance technologies in the UAM industry.
Source // GoFlyPrize.com
Opener Hires Ben Diachun of Scaled Composites as President
Opener, backed by Alphabet founder Larry Page, is the creator of the Opener BlackFly, a single-seater eVTOL Aircraft, and has recently hired Ben Diachun, formerly of Scaled Composites as its new president. At Scaled Composites (founded by legendary aircraft designer Burt Rutan) Diachun was also president. The company, acquired by Northgruman in 2007, most famously won the $10-million Ansari X-Prize in 2004...

Opener Hires Ben Diachun of Scaled Composites as President

Opener, backed by Alphabet founder Larry Page, is the creator of the Opener BlackFly, a single-seater eVTOL Aircraft, and has recently hired Ben Diachun, formerly of Scaled Composites as its new president.

New Opener president Ben Diachun, formerly president of Scaled Composites, and named in Aviation Week’s 2014 “40 Under 40”.
At Scaled Composites (founded by legendary aircraft designer Burt Rutan) Diachun was also president. The company, acquired by Northgruman in 2007, most famously won the $10-million Ansari X-Prize in 2004 for designing the SpaceShipOne private spaceplane, the basic design of which is still in use by Virgin Galactic. “As an engineer, Ben played a key role in the creation of 14 revolutionary experimental aircraft, and as the President of Scaled Composites, he developed a talented team, explored new innovations and ensured our growth.” –Burt Rutan, World famous aviation designer.

The SpaceShipOne private spaceplane built by Scaled Composites
Although the level of investment to which Larry Page is involved in Opener is unclear, the company has hit major milestones in the past few years by fully developing prototypes, which have now flown over 22,000 miles in 1,200 flights. The BlackFly is classified as an ultralight recreational aircraft, meaning the vehicle can be flown without the need for a pilot’s license. Opener has not made any statements about its position on use for urban air mobility but plans on beginning sales to the public for recreational use sometime in 2019.

The Opener BlackFly recreational eVTOL
Said Diachun: “My goal is to take what has been accomplished by this amazing team to the next level, and successfully bring a safe and affordable flying vehicle to market.” Founder of Opener Marcus Leng commented: “Ben Diachun knows what it takes to introduce innovative and transformative technology in a controlled and responsible manner…(he) has the kind of entrepreneurial mindset that creates sustainable, high-growth aeronautics companies, and we are proud to have him on the OPENER team.”
Diachun holds a Master of Science Degree in Aeronautics and Astronautics from Stanford University and a Bachelor of Science Degree in Mechanical Engineering from Purdue University. He currently serves on the School of Aeronautics and Astronautics Industrial Advisory Council at Purdue University and the Experimental Aircraft Association (EAA) Board of Directors.
Why it’s Important: As the UAM industry begins to involve, companies are quickly identifying the top people they desire on their teams. It’s important to note that these people often have depth of experience in complex experimental aircraft design, as well as experience in leadership roles within aerospace companies such as Ben Diachun. With demand for these new kinds of vehicles growing more and more quickly, those who are interested in joining the industry can begin their careers now by getting involved with experimental aircraft.
Sources // GlobeNewswire, Inc, Silicon Valley Business Journal, Opener
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Jetpack Aviation Unveils Its “Flying Motorcycle”
Jetpack Aviation has opened pre-order offers on the Speeder, a self-stabilizing, jet turbine-powered flying motorcycle capable of 15,000 ft in altitude and a max speed of 150 mph. From the same company that designed and released the JB series jetpacks, the Speeder utilizes similar technologies and is fully VTOL capable, capable of effectively taking off from anywhere the size of...

Jetpack Aviation Unveils Its “Flying Motorcycle”

Jetpack Aviation has opened pre-order offers on the Speeder, a self-stabilizing, jet turbine-powered flying motorcycle capable of 15,000 ft in altitude and a max speed of 150 mph. From the same company that designed and released the JB series jetpacks, the Speeder utilizes similar technologies and is fully VTOL capable, capable of effectively taking off from anywhere the size of a small car space.

A conceptual image of the Speeder, both pilot and autonomous versions.
Weighing in at 231 lbs., the Speeder utilizes four turbojet engines that produce a combined maximum thrust of 705 pound-force and can be fueled by kerosene, Jet A, or diesel. It can carry a load of up to 250 lbs. and fly for up to 22 minutes, depending on the altitude and the weight of the pilot. The Military Version of the Speeder will also feature an additional turbojet engine that boosts the Speeder’s thrust up to 1200 pound-force, autonomous control systems, and a longer flight time.

Two Speeders, pilot and cargo versions
The Recreational Speeder will have two versions for the consumer based on their personal needs, the Ultralight Version (UVS) and the Experimental Version (EVS). The differences between the two mainly lie in restrictions and requirements. The UVS will be limited to a 5 gallon fuel capacity and 60 mph max speed, but does not require a full pilot’s license like the EVS. Both versions will still require training to fly the motorcycle, and the EVS will also require the purchaser to be part of the manufacturing process in order to comply with FAA regulations on experimental aircraft production.

The Speeder rendered in an urban context
The piloting itself is intended to be as simple as possible. Fully stabilized, the Speeder uses a tilt-to-accelerate flight system with hand controls, a two-way radio, and 12-inch touchscreen for navigation. An integrated fly-by-wire control system self-stabilizes the vehicle in the air similarly to a drone. If the pilot plans to fly at the maximium altitude of 15,000 ft, they will need to provide their own supplemental oxygen source.
The Speeder, coming with its own flight suit and helmet, will be limited to 20 units listed at $380,000 USD. By pre-ordering with a down payment of $10,000 USD, the purchaser will be eligible for additional customizable options as well.

An overhead view of the Speeder
Why it’s important: Jetpack Aviation has quickly made a name for themselves in the area of recreational transport and the UAM industry. With their eye catching and simple to use machines, UAM is continuously growing into a topic on everyone’s minds, and is garnering more and more support from the public audience, as well as being a contribution to the growth of the UAM industry.
Sources // Jetpack Aviation, StartEngine
Goodyear Aero Tire: An In-Depth Look
TransportUP recently conducted an interview with the designers and engineers behind the Goodyear Aero tire, which can be both a rotor set for flight and a wheel for traditional land transportation. Although this tire is many years away, it incorporates many of the key technology elements that Goodyear is currently adding to its tires, and pushes Goodyear forward into the...

Goodyear Aero Tire: An In-Depth Look

TransportUP recently conducted an interview with the designers and engineers behind the Goodyear Aero tire, which can be both a rotor set for flight and a wheel for traditional land transportation.

According to Sebastien Fontaine – Senior Industrial Designer from the Advanced Design Studio at the Goodyear Innovation Center in Luxembourg, Jean Francois Vandeclee – Manager, Innovation Beyond Tires at the Goodyear Innovation Center in Luxembourg, the Aero tire was based on three concepts Goodyear is currently working on: non-pneumatics, optical sensors, and seamless mobility.is solid rather than inflated by air.

AERO Concept full view

An earlier pneumatic tire by Goodyear
Seamless Mobility: To Goodyear, this was the most important guiding force of the Aero’s design. According to Goodyear, one of the greatest design challenges of the Aero was to keep the design flat, and encased. Why did they do this? So that any UAM vehicle in a ‘mega-city’ using this tire could actually dock directly onto the side a building. Goodyear designed the potential power ratios of the Aero in such a way that a vehicle could lift off the ground and hover using only two of its tires.

A UAM vehicle taking off from two Goodyear Aero Tires

A UAM vehicle with Goodyear Aero Tires docking onto the side of a building


United Technologies to Demo Hybrid-Electric Aircraft
What UTC’s Project 804 means for hybrid-electric propulsion. United Technologies Corporation – previously part of the conglomerate comprised of Pratt & Whitney, UTC Aerospace Systems, and Rockwell Collins – has recently launched a new startup-like division. United Technologies Advanced Projects (UTAP) “moves at intense speed to build and pilot ambitious product and service demonstrators, while simultaneously distilling UTC’s curious and...

United Technologies to Demo Hybrid-Electric Aircraft

What UTC’s Project 804 means for hybrid-electric propulsion.
United Technologies Corporation – previously part of the conglomerate comprised of Pratt & Whitney, UTC Aerospace Systems, and Rockwell Collins – has recently launched a new startup-like division. United Technologies Advanced Projects (UTAP) “moves at intense speed to build and pilot ambitious product and service demonstrators, while simultaneously distilling UTC’s curious and collaborative culture”, as put in a publication by the company earlier in March of this year. The paper outlined their new X-Plane demonstrator, and the company’s ambitions in progressing the future of hybrid-electric flight.
UTAP hopes to prove the economic viability of hybrid-electric propulsion by constructing and flying the demonstrator, called Project 804, in the next three years. The demonstrator will be a modified Bombardier Dash 8 Series -100 aircraft with the new propulsion system replacing one of the two megawatt-class engines. While the operating empty weight (OEW) of the aircraft is expected to increase, UTAP expects drastic gross weight savings due to decreased fuel consumption. Ultimately, they expect a total fuel savings of at least 30% during an hour-long mission.
UTC has experience in the electrification of aviation and strongly believes that hybrid and full-electric propulsion systems are becoming a viable engineering solution for modern aircraft. Rockwell Collins provided the Boeing 787, the “most electric airplane in the sky”, with its onboard electrical power system and successfully replaced systems which were previously powered by hydraulics or pneumatics. In the publication, UTAP addressed that full-electric propulsion is not yet applicable to regional or larger aircraft, but could very well be applied to VTOL air vehicles designed to transport 1-4 passengers distances of 200 km or less.

Source // United Technologies
As seen in the figure above, UTAP plans to operate the electric system only at high-output flight phases, namely at takeoff and climb. This method of propulsion system operation could also be a applicable to many vehicles in the urban air mobility industry. It would minimize the amount of fuel being burned at and near the ‘vertiports’ likely located in dense urban areas, and noise reductions could be seen due to the nature of electric-powered propulsion systems.
Why its important: “UTC is leveraging its full engine, electrical, and subsystems integration capabilities to open a new paradigm in aerospace propulsion.” The company’s Advanced Projects division is progressing the future of electric propulsion in aircraft and is likely to carry over to applications in the VTOL and urban air mobility industry.
Read UTAP’s latest publication on the Project 804 demonstrator here.
Harbour Air and MagniX are Partnering to Create an All-Electric Airline
Vancouver-based seaplane airline Harbour Air and the recently founded airplane electric motor company magni-X are partnering to transform Harbour Air into an ‘all-electric commercial fleet’. Since 1982, Harbour Air has become North America’s largest seaplane airline. The company now runs between 12 scheduled destinations including Vancouver, Seattle, and Whistler, carrying 500,000 passengers a year for a total of over 30,000 annual...

Harbour Air and MagniX are Partnering to Create an All-Electric Airline

Vancouver-based seaplane airline Harbour Air and the recently founded airplane electric motor company magni-X are partnering to transform Harbour Air into an ‘all-electric commercial fleet’.
Since 1982, Harbour Air has become North America’s largest seaplane airline. The company now runs between 12 scheduled destinations including Vancouver, Seattle, and Whistler, carrying 500,000 passengers a year for a total of over 30,000 annual flights. With the recent partnership with magni-X, Harbour hopes to convert every one of its 40+ aircraft into ‘e-planes’.

“Through our commitment to making a positive impact on people’s lives, the communities where we operate and the environment, we are once again pushing the boundaries of aviation by becoming the first aircraft to be powered by electric propulsion.”-Greg McDougall, founder and CEO of Harbour Air Seaplanes.
The new fleet of Harbour Air electric seaplanes will be powered by magni-X’s upcoming generation of 750hp electric motors. Having recently tested its 350hp on a Cessna, magni-X is well on its way to completing its vision for electrifying aviation. While magni-X is primarily focused on airplanes for now, it has acknowledged its technology’s potential for use in urban aviation eVTOLs. As more and more eVTOL aircraft begin to emerge, magni-X will ready with high powered electric motors.

magni-X Test Aircraft, a Cessna 208 Caravan
The goal of both magni-X and Harbour air is to ‘connect communities with clean, efficient and affordable electric air travel.’ In a recent quote, Roei Ganzarski, CEO of magniX, mentioned while the aviation industry contributes 12% to all U.S emissions, 75 percent of worldwide airline flights were 1,000 miles or less in range. Ganzarski believes that with magniX’s new propulsion systems coupled with emerging battery capabilities, there is tremendous potential for electric aviation to transform this “heavily trafficked ‘middle mile’ range”.
Why it’s important: With the partnership between magni-X and Harbour Air, electric aviation takes a huge stride forward. While magni-X is focusing on electrifying airplanes for now, the motor technology it’s developing has enormous potential for eVTOLs. Getting this motor technology into the air represents a major step for both urban and traditional aviation.
Sources // magni-X, Harbour Air
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